Matariki marked by community
Kakanui School held its annual Matariki night on June 19.
Matariki marks the Maori New Year and is a time to remember those who have died, to celebrate the present with whanau and friends, and to look forward to the future with hope.
Principal Ann Roughan said the Matariki celebration was "so special" as the entire Kakanui community was invited to the event.
"Our Matariki celebration was about sharing stories, kai, culture, and strengthening the bonds within our school community — we all came together to celebrate Matariki, a time of reflection, renewal, and connection," she said.
Ms Roughan said the children created art works that depicted Matariki, sang waiata and also presented the audience of family and friends with some Maori stick and string games, and videos they had created about Matariki.
— APL
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Makeup event to be staged after rain stops carnival
The Midwinter Carnival team says it is working towards a makeup event in the coming weeks after organisers had to cancel the second night of the carnival at the weekend because of heavy rain. A spokesman for the carnival said it was a difficult decision to cancel Saturday night's events especially after the "magic and joy" of Friday night. However, the safety and wellbeing of the audience, performers and crew had to come first. Ticket refunds were not available because the event was called off due to extreme weather. "As a not-for-profit charitable trust, the Midwinter Carnival must still meet the full cost of delivering the event, including infrastructure, staffing, artist fees and materials." A statement on Saturday said a makeup event for the Saturday ticket holders was being planned. It would offer a chance for Saturday ticket holders to come together and still experience a little bit of carnival magic. The event would feature lantern installations, live music, performers and more. Further details, including the date and location, would be shared soon, the statement said. Despite not being able to put on a second night at the weekend, the Midwinter Carnival organisers were proud of what was delivered on Friday, the spokesman said. "We're proud of what was achieved and so grateful for the magic we did get to share together." The theme of the festival this year was Wings of Wonder and First Church was transformed into a glowing display of things fantastical and winged on Friday night. New Zealand native birds, mythical creatures and small critters, including the classic butterfly, were featured. Coastal Dunedin bore the brunt of heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. In total, 78.5mm of rain was recorded at Pine Hill in the 48 hours to 1pm yesterday. — APL
Otago Daily Times
14 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Obituary: Fred Graham, artist
Fred Graham's service to Māori art dates back to the 1950s. Photo: RNZ/supplied Respected artist Fred Graham remained relevant right up until the end: a major new sculpture, Te Manu Rangimaarie, was unveiled at Taupiri just before his death. Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura) had also just been chosen as one of the New Zealand artists to be part of this year's Venice Biennale international exhibition. Graham was born in South Waikato and was a talented rugby player, appearing three times for New Zealand Māori. He trained as a teacher and balanced education and art for most of his career. In 1966, he was a key figure in organising an exhibition of contemporary Māori painting and sculptures, with the likes of Cliff Whiting and Paratene Matchitt. Graham's sculptures are displayed around New Zealand and also in several overseas galleries. Graham was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori art in 2018, and later that year he was named an Arts Foundation Icon. In the 2025 New Year Honours, Graham was promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. He is survived by his children Gary, Brett, a successful sculptor and artist, and Kathryn, a television and podcast producer. Fred Graham died on May 9 aged 96. — APL/agencies
Otago Daily Times
14 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Obituary: Ted Kotcheff, film-maker
Director Ted Kotcheff attends the Wake In Fright premiere at Film Forum on October 5, 2012 in New York City. Canadian film-maker Ted Kotcheff steered a diverse range of box office hits, such as Fun With Dick And Jane, Weekend At Bernie's and First Blood, the debut of Sylvester Stallone as traumatised Vietnam War veteran John Rambo. Kotcheff's career was equally as eclectic. Having started in Canadian TV, Kotcheff made his name overseas, directing TV series in Britain and ground-breaking Australian feature Wake In Fright. He returned to Canada to direct The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (1974), which won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. Three years later, he started his US career with the George Segal and Jane Fonda vehicle Fun With Dick And Jane, which grossed $3 million in ticket sales. His most enduring hit, First Blood, was released in 1982. Although more cerebral than it was given credit for, its action sequences cemented Stallone's leading man credentials. Kotcheff's last big hit was the decidedly uncerebral slapstick comedy Weekend At Bernie's. Kotcheff switched back to television and most notably was a producer and director on Law & Order: SVU for 13 years. Ted Kotcheff died on April 10 aged 94. — APL/agencies
