Matariki Hautapu Ceremony At Te Puia This Morning
It showed a deep respect for ancestral practices acknowledging the past, present, and future through three key parts of the pre-dawn ceremony.
Rikirangi-Thomas says when you consider all it encompasses, Matariki is also about health.
'It acknowledges those who have passed, and it allows the opportunity to grieve with an opportunity for closure through Pōhutukawa, it provides an opportunity to be optimistic through Hiwa-i-te Rangi and to be excited about what's to come. It also creates gratitude for what we have in this present moment.
'This morning is another step in the right direction regarding our obligation to the resurgence of mātauranga Māori.'
Te Rāngai Kawa – Te Tokotoru a Manawakotokoto Tohunga Te Waata Cribb shared some insights:
"Matariki is a recalibration of time that coincides with the rising of the sun. As you go through the different tau or different seasons, or kaupeka different months, there are different stars that come and rise with the sun.
'Matariki is not just about the stars but also to take note of what's happening in the environment - align yourself with the taiao, with the environment"
"When we look up at the sky in the morning, Matariki gets a chance to see its own reflection through our eyes"
"Sustain the divine status of Matariki by presenting offerings of kai. These offerings are whāngai hau."
Rikirangi-Thomas concludes 'Matariki is for everyone to partake, it belongs to Aotearoa and that's all of us – everyone is welcome'.
Te Puia is also holding a Whānau Day from 9am – 3pm with 1,700 people having bought tickets.
The day includes Pā activities such as Tītī tōrea, poi and haka lessons, Matariki crafts and storytime, kiri tuhi face painting, pōhiri and cultural performances. Manuhiri also explored the Matariki taonga market with contemporary Māori artists and saw the NZ Māori Arts & Crafts Institute artists weaving, wood carving, stone and bone carving. There was also a Kai Marketplace with kai relating to ngā whetū (stars of Matariki).
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