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Matariki Celebration at BestStart Napier Central
Matariki is a special occasion for Aotearoa as it marks the start of the Māori New Year. This is signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky. This is a time to reflect on the past year and remembrance of those that have passed, celebrate the present, and to look ahead and plan for the future. Here at BestStart Napier Central, we are always seeking authentic and meaningful ways to integrate Te Ao Māori into our practices, policies, and philosophy. Matariki has therefore provided us with a wonderful gateway to explore deeper learning and discussions.
Throughout the last couple of months we have been exploring each of the nine stars. It has allowed us all to celebrate Māori culture and to learn and share Māori traditions, customs, and stories. For us all here at BestStart Napier Central, Matariki is a time for learning, but also celebration and togetherness. It was a time of coming together as a whole and the evening was adorned with twinkling lights, the aroma of wonderfully hearty warming soup, yummy slices, and the flicker of light from the brazier that not only provided us with warmth and light but delicious toasted marshmallows, and best of all the hum of chatter as we all gathered together to enjoy this special time.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank whānau, for sharing their knowledge and wisdom with us right after the children had shared a couple of songs they had been learning. Also to all the whānau for the koha of vegetables towards the soup, and of course rugging up warm to join us all for this centre celebration.