Matariki — Māori New Year 2014

Matariki 2014 took place on Pipiri 28 June. During Matariki we celebrate our unique place in the world. We give respect to the whenua on which we live, and admiration to our mother earth, Papatūānuku. Throughout Matariki we learn about those who came before us: our land, our history, our family.

Matariki signals growth. It’s a time of change, a time to prepare and a time for action. During Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Matariki celebrates the diversity of life — culture, language, spirit and people.

Find out about our 2015 Matariki events.

2014 theme: Ngā Rongoā me Te Taiao

Our theme for Matariki 2014 was Ngā Rongoā me Te Taiao – Natural medicine and the environment.

We had a Matariki community art project in our libraries. People could come along and learn about different trees and plants, their Māori names and traditional and contemporary uses. They did a leaf or bark rubbing, added it to the community art space, or took it home.

Māori resources at your library

• More about Matariki
• Matariki booklist
• Te Rongoā Māori
• Te Rongoā Māori booklist
• Harakeke
• Tī Kōuka – The Cabbage Tree
• Tī Kōuka Whenua
• Māori section of the library website