Matariki Rising - WLJ

IALT: Pick three events that celebrate and remember Matariki.

Activity 2: After visiting Shag Point, you hop back in the van and drive all the way up the east coast of the south island until you reach the town of Picton. You get out of the van and onto the Interislander ferry. It travels back across the Cook Strait to Wellington. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and every winter the city hosts a huge Matariki festival to celebrate the Maori New Year. This year part of the festival is being held at Te Papa, a big museum in Wellington.

Read about the Matariki festival at Te Papa.  There are so many different things to see and do at the festival this year. On your blog, tell us about three of the events. You can choose any three events that you wish.

Out of the many events, I chose the three following events:

• Matariki Fireworks
• Rising Stars at Porirua Night Market
• Maumatua Kapa Haka

The reason why I chose the Matariki Firework display is because Fireworks can bring happiness and care to those who watch it. Our Matariki event which was held in Glen Iness displayed Fireworks on the last day, I wasn't there to watch it but I could watch it from where I was, but I had to stand on the roof to get a better and more vivid view. 

The Fireworks were massive, compared to those that go off on Guy Fawkes Night.  

The fire display lit the night sky, remembering the day of the Maori New Year which happens once a year. 

The second event that I chose was the Rising Stars show and tell. I chose this because it gives kids the opportunity to showcase their skills and passion for Music, get encouragement by the local community and ensure that the people around them will help make them better people in life.

And lastly, the Maumatua Kapa Haka. You can tell by the word 'Matua' meaning old or wise. I chose this because old and wise males and females get the chance to get together and form a Kapa Haka group in which can show and teach the younger generation tips on how to show and do the Haka with respect, passion and pride.

This task helped me to remember the importance of the Maori New Year, and that the spirit still lives in those who seek their passion for their beliefs. Matariki is a great way to watch performances, and see the true magic of what it really means. 

Feel free to leave a comment.

Many thanks :)