As the year moves in the Southern Hemisphere from autumn towards its shortest winter day, the sunrise moves north along the eastern horizon. When the sunrise reaches Matariki, it turns around and starts moving south again
The first rising of the Pleiades and of Rigel (Puanga in Maori) occurs just prior to sunrise in late May or early June, and this indicates that the old year has ended and the New Year has begun. The actual time for celebrating Matariki varies, depending on the iwi (tribe or clan).
Some iwi celebrate it immediately. Others wait until the rising of the next full moon, or alternatively the dawn of the next new moon. It has become common practice for various private and public institutions to celebrate Matariki over the period of a week or month anywhere from early June to late July. Other iwi used the rising of Rigel (Puanga) in a similar way.
According to tradition Matariki has two meanings – tiny eyes or it is also sometimes called Mata ariki – the eyes of god. One Maori legend tells of a time when when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatuanuku, the earth mother, were forcibly separated by their children. The god of the winds, Tawhirimatea, became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens, where they have been in existence ever since.
Traditionally, depending on the visibility of Matariki, the coming season's crop was thought to be determined. The brighter the stars indicated the warmer the season would be and thus a more productive crop. Offerings of the produce of the land were made to the gods, including Rongo, god of potato, It was also a time to instruct young people in the lore of the land and the forest. The Whare Runanga (House of Learning) was opened for this important event In addition, certain birds and fish were especially easy to harvest at this time. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future.
The pre-dawn rise of Matariki and Puanga can be seen in the last few days of May every year – commencing on the 23rd May in 2009. Matariki rises on the northeast horizon, around the same spot as the rising sun. The best time to spot Matariki is around half an hour before dawn. The next full moon will occur on 24 June 2009.
Big Belly Women Concert in the Lighthouse Function Centre starting at 7.00pm. A light supper will be served afterwards
Big Belly Women have an 11 piece Maori group that they choose from depending on what is needed for a performance. The sounds comprise of luscious vocals, taonga puoro, saxophone, keyboards, guitar, drums and bass.
Their music contains original compositions that have traditional Maori instruments woven with modern sounds intertwined throughout. The waiata (songs) depict another view of New Zealand society through the eyes of rural Maori.
Big Belly Women promote healthy lifestyle choices that challenge New Zealanders to address the issues of domestic violence, all forms of abuse, pollution, social and economic issues, the body image, the need for global unity and the passion we have for preserving the environment we live in.
They feel that their music is for people across the board, nationally and internationally. It satisfies a growing need in the broad community for sounds that are a fusion of traditionally Maori and ‘New Millennium contemporary Maori Music’.
(Note: This concert is subject to funding from Creative Communities New Zealand.)
Display of local arts and crafts opens in the foyer of the Dargaville Town Hall and continues until Sat 27 June
Classes in Weaving and Poi making at Lighthouse Function Centre or Dargaville High School marae 7.00pm till 9.00pm
Classes in Weaving and Poi making at Lighthouse Function Centre or Dargaville High School marae (depending on numbers). 7.00pm till 9.00pm
Classes in Weaving and Poi making at Lighthouse Function Centre or Dargaville High School marae (depending on numbers). 7.00pm till 9.00pm
Local schools perform Kapa Haka or a play based on a traditional Maori Legend at the Dargaville Town Hall. 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Home made kite flying at the Vintage Machinery Club – Harding Park