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Matariki Celebration at BestStart Porchester Road
During the month of July, BestStart Porchester focused on the cultural celebration of te wa o Matariki - The Maori New Year.
Within this month, all of our rooms worked on special activities to recognise our understanding of each individual stars that make up the Matariki cluster. We incorporated te reo Maori through music and movement, storytelling, arts and crafts, and many more symbolic learning experiences. In addition, BestStart Porchester Road acknowledged the meaning of Matariki by creating a successful whanau evening for all our parents and tamariki to engage and participate in.
We emphasised kotahitanga and manaakitanga by working as a team to enhance the experience of our centre event in preparation for the evening and participating in traditional activities such as weaving harakeke, poi making, reviewing of our centre philosophy, children's aspirations, and whanau feedback.
To conclude our whanau evening we offered Maori cuisines made from traditional recipes, gathered around the firepit, roasted marshmallows and deepened our relationships and togetherness with one another. As the season of Matariki came to an end, teachers and families departed with their hearts full of joy and a deeper appreciation for the Maori culture and the significance of Matariki.
It was a time for communities to come together, embracing peace and growth. ''hoki whakamuri, kia anga whakamua'' - look to the past in order to forge the future.