Matariki is a special time to come together as a community, reflect on the past year, honour those who came before us, and look forward with hope and intention.
This week at BestStart Te Awamutu we were proud to celebrate Matariki with a beautiful whānau evening filled with kai, crafts, and connection.
Our centre came alive with warmth and laughter as tamariki, parents, caregivers, and kaiako gathered to share in the spirit of this Māori New Year.
The evening began with a warm welcome and karakia, followed by shared kai that brought us all together around the table. It was a wonderful chance to pause, connect and enjoy the company of those who are part of our learning community.
Throughout the centre, families explored a range of Māori crafts inspired by Matariki. These hands-on experiences allowed children to express their creativity while deepening their understanding of Māori culture and values.
Thank you to all our whānau who joined us, and to our amazing kaiako for creating such a thoughtful and welcoming evening. We are so proud to honour Matariki in a way that reflects the values of our community, and we look forward to carrying those values with us into the year ahead.