Celebrate Puanga, Matariki and Maori New Year

Celebrate Puanga, Matariki and Maori New Year at Puke Ariki!

Running through-out June, the Puanga Kai Rau celebrations mark the start of the Maori New Year.

“In Taranaki we have traditionally recognised the appearance of Puanga (Rigel in the constellation of Orion), which signals the beginning of a new season, a time to celebrate and prepare for the new year,” explains Ngareo Akariri, Puke Ariki Poutaki Rauemi.

“But it’s also a time to reflect on the year just gone and remember those who have passed on and won’t be seeing Puanga rise again.

“So as part of the Puanga celebrations, a memorial wall is being set up in the Puke Ariki library foyer where you can acknowledge loved ones who have passed away. Pre-made stars will be available but you can also make your own star with their name, photo or an individual design and bring it in to add to the wall.”

Puanga Kai Rau also marks the end of the harvest when food is plentiful. A large basket for non-perishable food will be placed in the Puke Ariki library foyer for people to donate to the harvest and the items collected will be distributed to community organisations.

“We’ve got an action-packed activity and events programme planned for the Puanga celebrations. You can learn about navigating by the stars, discover which stars are Puanga and Matariki or come along to a Kai Ora cooking demonstration,” says Ngareo.

“The celebrations culminate with a community day at Puke Ariki on Saturday 20 June which will feature kapa haka, story telling demonstrations by local artists.”

For a full line-up visit Puke Ariki’s website www.pukeariki.com.

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