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Celebrating Matariki at BestStart Manukau
Kia Ora, Nau mai, Haere mai ki nga whanau mo nga tamariki katoa. Tena koutou katoa. Tēnei ra/Today we had the pleasure of celebrating Matariki, known as Maori New Year. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in mid-winter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki literally means the 'eyes of God' (mata ariki) or 'little eyes' (mata riki). We commenced by welcoming our manuhiri from BestStart Papatoetoe together with our parent mo nga whanau. Our tamariki welcomed them with the hongi a traditional Māori greeting, the hongi is performed by two people pressing their noses together; some include, at the same time, the touching of foreheads. The greeting is used at traditional meetings among Māori people, and at major ceremonies. Afterward they were seated and our hōtaka/programme proceeds by a warm welcome from kaiako Selvyn followed by singing the national anthem " E Ihoa Atua" then our mahi/performance with our first item singing waiata "Aroha Nui" followed by our favourite waiata "Tutira Mai Nga Iwi" and "Hoea Te Vaka" and concluding with the haka and the story of Matariki seven sisters. Our tamariki performed so well with full of confidence. Our friends from BestStart, Papatoetoe performed so well and thank you for your presentation of your koha. Kaiako Mandip closed with thank you note to everyone. Ka pai katoa. We would like to extend our aroha to all our tamariki, parents and whanau and our friends from BestStart Papatoetoe for your support, contribution and coming along to commemorate this beautiful celebration we are truly grateful. No reira tena koutou katoa.