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BestStart Katikati Celebrates Matariki
Matariki is the Maori name for the star cluster known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, and it's appearance in the predawn sky marks the start of the Maori New Year. Traditionally it was a time to honour and remember those who have passed, as well as to celebrate new beginnings, harvest, and the close connection between people and nature. We celebrated Matariki at our centre with different activities on the night that reflected the culture and traditions of Matariki. Tamariki were encouraged to plant vegetable seeds which aligns with the theme of growth and new beginnings. It represents the planting of new ideas, goals and aspirations for the year ahead. Writing on stars to make wishes for the new year, fostering a sense of hope and optimism, and also to remember loved ones who have passed. We had also set up colouring stations, jig saw puzzles and galactic play dough areas for tamariki and whanau to come together, enjoy each other's company and create a sense of community and togetherness. Our tamariki then came together and sung beautiful waiata to our families, and then closing with a kaiaka, before we moved into another room for our shared kai. Kai was our Traditional Friendship soup, made with tasty fresh vegetables that our families and whanau contributed towards our shared kai. This year we made three different types of soup. Vegetable, vegetable and chicken, and a gluten free vegetable brew. This was served with tasty fried bread as well as bread and butter slices. Several whanau has also brought in sweet treats for sharing after our meal as well. What a beautiful way to celebrate Matariki and create lasting memories for all involved.