Matariki rising across Marlborough

Mānawatia a Matariki! As we approach te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year, iwi and organisations around Marlborough are planning celebrations for the 10 July holiday – but not just on that date itself.

“We have events around the region from 30 June through to 24 July,” notes Nicola Neilson, Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager. “This year’s theme is ‘Matariki Herenga Waka: For Everyone’ – and there really is something on offer for all Marlburians to experience this Matariki.

Council has published a guide available at libraries and customer service centres. Highlighted events include dawn gatherings at Rārangi Beach and Wairau Bar (10 July); illuminated night walks in Te Hoiere (8-10 July at Pelorus Bridge Campground); and a light show at Omaka Marae (18 July).

The name Matariki refers to a cluster of stars, also called Pleiades, in the Taurus constellation. Identified around 17,000 years ago, Matariki is one of the first stellar groupings in recorded history.

It’s part of a larger constellation called Taurus and is one of the earliest recorded groups of stars in human history, with a record that dates back some 17,000 years.
The holiday which comes with the star group’s rising serves “as a time of reflection, celebration and preparation,” Nicola observed.

“It is a great way to come together as a community.”

Search marlboroughnz.com/whatson for Matariki event listings.