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A starry Matariki night

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Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to celebrate, so we planned our Matariki whānau night for BestStart Havelock North for Tuesday, 25 June.  

Excitement and anticipation surrounded the day of Matariki. As tamariki arrived on Tuesday morning, they were excited to see the centre transformed under the cover of darkness and decorated with cascading decorative stars. Our front room was transformed into a dark space, set with twinkling star constellations gave tamariki a ‘night sky’ visual experience and inspired further exploration into learning more about planets and space. Later, we transformed the centre into a night sky of twinkling stars, decorating every room with sparkling lights.

To celebrate Matariki at BestStart Havelock North, whanau gathered around under the star-spangled evening sky, to share kai. Celebrations included a hākari of delicious paraoa (bread) to dip into a hearty, healthy bowl of vegetable soup although we think the highlight for tamariki was the dessert table. Tamariki welcomed whānau and entertained with waiata. Tamariki embraced Matariki inspired celebrations with pride to sing waiata and perform the Matariki macarena for whanau.

There was such a fantastic turn out of whānau to watch tamariki perform waiata, followed by shared kai. Thank you to all for contributing to our shared kai. From all the lovely discussions we have had, it sounds like everyone enjoyed the kai and evening together.