Matariki, the Māori name for the star cluster known as the Pleiades. Traditionally for Māori when it appeared just before dawn in late May or early June, it signalled the start of the Māori New Year. For some tribes, the rising of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) signals the start of the New Year.
Different tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. For some it was when Matariki rose in May/June. For others it was celebrated at the first new moon, or full moon, following the rising of Matariki. In the 21st century it is the new moon following the rising of Matariki that signals the New Year. In 2016 it began on 06 June (ref: Ministry of Culture and Heritage)
To celebrate Matariki at St Kevin's there will be a series of lunchtime activities each Thursday in the Art Room, throughout the month of June. Today Mrs Plunkett ran a workshop making flax flowers. Thank you to Mrs Harrison for lending a helpful hand!
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