On the evening of June 17th, our centre came together to celebrate Matariki, marking the Māori New Year in a way that honoured both tradition and community.
The night was filled with warmth, laughter, and reflection, as whanau, tamariki, and kaiako (teachers) gathered to enjoy a shared meal and celebrate the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
In the spirit of Matariki, the food was prepared with love the day before, using vegetables and meat donated by our whanau. Each classroom took part in creating a dish, showcasing the creativity and culinary talents of our tamariki.
The centre was beautifully decorated, with each classroom reflecting a unique theme, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation to the evening. A highlight of the celebration was the preschool tamariki’s performance of Six60’s “Pepeha” song. Their voices filled the room, and whanau were delighted by their heartfelt rendition, creating a deep sense of connection and pride.
At our centre, we believe in the importance of celebrating diverse cultures. Matariki provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year, share kai, and embrace the beauty of unity within our community.
It was a night of joy, gratitude, and the shared strength of whanau.