Take a look during the Matariki celebrations

From Auckland Council and Auckland Libraries

Take a glimpse into the Māori world during Matariki with Auckland Libraries

The stars are aligned to celebrate Matariki with a range of exciting events across Auckland Libraries from 20 June – 19 July.

“The free events at libraries are a great opportunity for Aucklanders from all ethnic backgrounds to immerse themselves in Māori culture and activities,” says Community Development and Safety Committee chair, Councillor Cathy Casey.

“The rising of the Matariki star cluster heralds the dawn of a New Year. Across Auckland Council’s libraries, we will be celebrating our unique Māori identity, which is NZ’s point of difference in the world.”

This year, Matariki celebrations at libraries will include kapahaka (cultural performances), toi Māori (Māori art), kōrero pūrākau (indigenous storytelling) with manawhenua, Living Book sessions with Māori M.Ps, Matariki “stars” activities for budding astronomers, kite making, flax weaving, traditional medicine workshops and other events with a te reo Māori flavour.

Some event highlights are:

Central

Tamaki Writers Honour Matariki
Central City Library, Saturday 27 June, 9.15am – 3.30pm

An exciting line-up of poets and writers, followed by an open-mic session. There will also be a tribute to Hone Tuwhare and his work, including print and audio visual displays.

Te Reo Wainene ō Tua: The Sweet Story of Yesteryear

Central City Library, 8, 9 and 10 July, 9am-12pm

An innovative storytelling kaupapa using the medium of Te Reo Māori. Unique stories of Aotearoa are brought to life by high-profile Te Reo Māori advocates to entertain and delight tamariki of Auckland.

North

Matariki Kapahaka Celebrations at Whangaparaoa Library

Wednesday 24 June, 12 noon – 1pm

Celebrate the Māori New Year! Matariki is a time to acknowledge the old year and prepare for the year ahead. Enjoy passionate Kapa Haka performances by our talented local school groups.

West

Matariki kite-making workshop
Glen Eden Library, Saturday 18 July, 10am – 3pm
Learn different techniques to design artwork for kites. Full day workshop for ages 10 and above. To book, ph (09) 8185397.

South
He Pātaka Kōrero – Living Book –Marama Kahu Fox M.P. (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou)

Māngere Town Centre Library, Monday 29 June, 1:00pm-2:30pm

Join us with our special pātaka kōrero/ ‘living book’ Member of Parliament Marama Fox in an interactive session directed by questions from tamariki and taiohi from our community of Māngere.

He Pātaka Kōrero – Living Book –  Peeni Ereatara Gladwyn Henare M.P (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi)

Te Matariki Clendon Library, Monday 22 June, 10:30am – 12:00pm

Join us with our special pātaka kōrero/ ‘living book’ in an interactive session directed by questions from tamariki (children) and taiohi (youth) from our community of Clendon and Manurewa.

East

Tū tonu a Ngāti Pāoa –  the steadfast permanence of Ngāti Pāoa

Panmure Library , Thursday 9 July, 11:00am-12pm

Join Morehu Wilson (Ngāti Paoa pūkōrero – orator and historian) for a unique experience that explores and celebrates Ngāti Pāoa as manawhenua of Tāmaki Makauaru and the intrinsic whakapapa relationship of this iwi to Panmure and the surrounding districts.

• For a full list of events, see:  http://www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/EN/Events/Events/Pages/matariki2015.aspx

• Auckland Council is running Matariki Festival, 20 June – 19 July. During this time, there will be more than 100 events and performances taking place across Auckland in celebration of the Maori New Year. For a list of events, see: http://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/

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