June 17, 2016
Ngati Paoa to launch Auckland Matariki
Auckland and Hauraki iwi Ngati Paoa has been selected to launch Auckland’s Matariki celebrations at dawn tomorrow at the Waiheke Library.
Spokesperson Hauauru Rawiri says the iwi is pleased to be the first in Tamaki Makaurau to have that honour.
There’s a packed calendar of Maori-related events over the next month in the council-sponsored festival.
Mr Rawiri says it’s not just about concerts, talks and exhibitions.
"It’s about reflecting on what we have done in the past, thinking about what we have at hand at the moment and actually thinking about our future in terms of what are the concrete steps we can take not only to help the people of Ngati Paoa in terms of our planning and so forth but also for others as well." he says.
Matariki is a reminder to Maori that there is another calendar they can live by for planting, harvesting and decision-making, rather than be caught up in the demands of the pakeha calendar.
FULL INTERVIEW: HAUARURU RAWIRI
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