I was listening to Kim Hills interview with Professor Rangi Matamua on Radio New Zealand (RNZ interview) and was fascinated to hear about which foods were chosen for the Matariki feast and why. The primary focus of Matariki in Aotearoa is to celebrate our environment and how it sustains us. Tohunga (experts) marked the rise of the Matariki cluster with a hautapu (food offering) ceremony). This year the ceremony will be live-streamed from the Wellington Waterfront on http://matariki.net.nz/ or most major broadcasters.
Before the rising of Matariki special food is taken from the gardens, forests, rivers and ocean and is cooked in an earth oven. This oven is uncovered and the steam of the food rises into the sky to feed Matariki (Matariki Handbook – TWOA). The stars Waitī and Waitā represent fresh and ocean water food and sources and the kai (food) often chosen to represent these stars, tuna (eel) for fresh water, tīti (mutton birds) or ika (fish) for ocean. Tupuānuku is usually represented by kumara and Tupuārangi is represented by manu (birds) such as heihei (chicken).
There are over 250 stars in the Matariki cluster. Most parts of the world can see between 5-9 with the naked eye as it is the nearest star cluster to earth. Matariki observed with different names around the world, the Greeks call it the seven sisters, Pleiades. Cultures around the world have universal elements they associate with Matariki including harvest, planting, new seasons, New Year, and some also include the acknowledgement of their dead.
In Aotearoa nine stars can be observed, Matariki, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-Rangi, Ururangi, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Before sunrise during New Zealand’s winter, the cluster is visible as a faint sparkle of tiny dots when you look towards the northeast horizon. It rises during Pipiri (June/July) and marks the beginning of the Māori new year. The Aoteroa public holiday will fall on the Friday closest to the Tangaroa lunar phase – when the last quarter-moon rises – of Piripi, a period typically falling between June and July.
Here at Ara you can interact with the Matariki stars across our campuses using QR codes. Just download the Ara Matariki Actionbound app and you will be introduced to information about each of the Matariki stars and what it represents. The app also provides you with an opportunity to post a reflection about the past year, inspired by one of the stars. Scan the QR code below to download the app. Check first that you are on a wi-fi network. Then wander around your Ara campus (Madras / Woolston / Library) and scan any of the Matariki stars that you come across. Each star will provide you with a mission, answer the quiz questions to help you earn points. There are prizes! Have fun and learn heaps during our Ara Matariki festival.
Join us on an adventure to Waimairi Beach as we gather to sight the Matariki cluster. We will hear about the cluster and its significance to us here in Aotearoa. Whānau are welcome to come along please register to let us know. Breakfast will be provided by our events team on return to the campus. Note subject to change due to weather, you must register and provide contact details to be notified of any cancellation.
Location: Beachfront at Waimairi Surf Life Saving Club, 1 Beach Road, Christchurch.
Time: Meet at Ara at 6:00am outside Te Puna Wānaka corner of William St and Coventry St.
Taking your own transport? Meet at Waimairi Surf Club Car Park at 6.25am.
Ara Library will be closed on Friday 24th June as we celebrate the first Matariki public holiday. The Library will reopen at 10am on Saturday 25th June.
This year sees the first instance of the new public holiday to celebrate Matariki after it was passed into law in 2021. Going into the future there will be a public holiday in late June or early July to recognise Matariki.
Iwi across New Zealand understand and celebrate Matariki in different ways and at different times. For most it is time to remember those who have passed and give thanks for the harvest of the previous year.
Matariki is an abbreviation of ‘Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea (‘The eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea’) and refers to a large cluster of stars, known in European tradition as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year.
The new Matariki holiday is the first to specifically acknowledge the culture of Maori who are the indigenous people of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
From all of the staff here at the Library we wish you a safe and enjoyable day.
This Saturday is World Wide Knit in Public Day (usually shortened to WWKIP, because knitters never met a word they didn’t want to abbreviate: K, P, SSK, YO, PSSO, K2tog…).
Here in Christchurch, if you want to show off your latest knitting (or get some advice on your latest attempt), you can’t go past knitting on the Tram. Or if you prefer your knitting more…stationary… Christchurch City Libraries have events at several of their libraries.
On 24 June 2022 Aotearoa will observe Te Kāhui o Matariki (The Stars of Matariki). This time is significant as it will be the first public holiday that puts Mātauranga Māori at the heart of the celebrations.
Te Hararei Tūmatanui (Public Holiday) will be the first to recognise Te Ao Māori (A Māori Worldview) calls people to gather, to celebrate, to remember and to plan for the future. It also seeks to reaffirm our connection and commitment to the environment, and to encourage positive environment activities during Matariki such as planting and cleaning waterways.
At Ara ourMatariki celebrations are set within a framework of five elements, Hono ~ Connect, Whakaaroaro ~ Reflect, Whakamana ~ Celebrate, Whakarite ~ Plan, and Whakaū ~ Act. We encourage our community to create opportunities that foster connections to each other, to our place in the world and to the wellbeing of both.
Te Aro ki a Matariki – Matariki Observance
The optimum time to observe the rising of Matariki is in the phase of the moon known as Tangaroa, the moon of plenty. The Tangaroa moon phase occurs in the three or four days leading to a new moon and will fall on different dates each year. This is just one marker of the Māori New Year, also known as Te Matahi o Te Tau.
Matariki is seen late June to April. The first day and first month of the Māori New Year is Whiro o Pipiri (Whiro is the new moon and Pipiri is the lunar month), however Matariki is not visible, it’s above the horizon but too close to the sun, it’s not bright enough. Celebration lasts from beginning of Tangaroa to Mutuwhenua lunar phases. Locally Ngāi Tahu acknowledge Puanga (Rigel) as the the marker of the Māori New Year.
Take the Pipiri Matariki wero or challenge
Here is a great way to learn something everyday this month about Matariki by taking the Pipiri Matariki Wero.
There are billions of galaxies in the universe. In our galaxy, there are 100 billion planets. But there is only one planet Earth. So, it’s fitting that this year’s topic for World Environment Day is Only One Earth.
It’s well-known that humankind has had a devastating effect on all of our planet’s ecosystems. Many species have died out and a huge amount of forest has been cleared to make way for agriculture. But we also know that humans can change: we can save species from extinction, we can reforest, and we can heal.
This year, Environment Day wants to point this out – that we need to not only stop harming the planet but also work to heal it.
What I like about this topic is that it talks about our planet. From behind our screens, it’s easy to feel like the planet is somebody else’s responsibility. But every public space and animal that we come across is our responsibility to protect. Every day, local initiatives are being taken to protect our planet and its natural environments.
In Christchurch, there are quite a few things to keep an eye on and if you feel like it, to join in with. Here are a few tips on some actions, events and Social media accounts to follow:
Planting a tree or two is a great way to reconnect with Mother Earth. The 2022 events are up, you just need to show up and then one day you can tell your grandkids that you planted that tall totara when you were their age!
These activities are just randomly selected events that you can join in with to make a difference and leave something positive for future generations.
Whales have captivated us humans since the dawn of time.
I grew up in Paris, miles away from the nearest ocean, yet for some reason I have always felt a connection to these magnificent creatures.
When I moved to New Zealand over a decade ago, I trained as a Marine Mammal Medic with Project Jonah, a conservation nonprofit group who trains volunteers nationwide to assist stranded cetaceans.
The highlight of my medic career came on Queen’s birthday weekend 2016 – great timing considering World’s Oceans Day falls on June 8th. On that freezing cold morning, I received a text message alerting me that whales had been stranded on Waimari beach, which is literally down the road from home.
On arrival at the beach, I found a deceased animal just meters away from the surf club. I then soon realised a live one was being tended to by concerned members of the public and another PJ medic further up the beach.
As the sun rose in the sky –it turned out to be a beautiful winter day- so did the number of people flocking to the site. Most of the work that day for all parties involved, including us from Project Jonah (who always operates under the Department of Conservation as DOC is responsible for all whales and dolphins), local council rangers, locals etc.. consisted of crowd control, keeping the public at a safe distance from the whale.
In turns, people tended to the individual we fondly nicknamed ‘Sandy’, who turned out to be a false killer whale (in fact a member of the dolphin’s family). We kept her cool using old sheets and pillowcases, pouring buckets of water over her, and ensuring her fins were cleared from the sand.
With a ratio of 100s+ humans to 1, the rescue team got an energy boost from all the eyes watching, as well as from the hot soup, hot drinks and food brought down by generous locals. When the high tide reached Sandy, a small group of us trained in the use of whale pontoons (a NZ designed device which assists in putting the whale back in the water), set it up and after a big final group effort, she finally swam free.
Strandings don’t always have a happy ending. But this one sure did, and I can often hear the cheering and clapping from the crowd echoing in my head when I walk down this stretch of the beach.
Interested in saving whales too?
Find out more about Project Jonah here or follow Project Jonah New Zealand on Facebook
In the yard: Use as little fertilizer as possible. Fertilizers (including manure) add nutrients to the soil and water that can be carried downstream when it rains. Extra nutrients can cause harmful algae blooms that disrupt the ocean’s natural balance. Try to grow plants suited to the local natural conditions. They will grow hardily with fewer chemicals. On the table: Look for fruits and vegetables that are grown without pesticides (and don’t spray them in your own garden). Pesticides contain toxins that can run off into the sea and harm marine life. Also look for produce grown in season and close to where you live. A lot of energy is wasted in transporting foods from far away or growing them in greenhouses at the wrong time of year. See tip number five below to find out how our energy use affects the ocean. In the house: Choose non-toxic cleaning products and low-phosphate detergents. Many household chores can be done with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice.
.Be fish friendly
Watch what you eat, shop for seafood locally — and sustainably : Demand sustainable seafood at the supermarket and in your favorite restaurants. Always know what to order by downloading a sustainable seafood guide. And when fishing for your own seafood, make sure you follow all local catch limits.Don’t treat the catch limit as a target, only catch what you need and keep your catch size legal. Not all fish populations are in good shape. If you are eating commercial seafood, refer to the Best Fish Guide to ensure it’s sustainably caught.This resource lists nine “great to eat” seafood choices, including salmon, mussels, pacific oysters and paua (all farmed), albacore and skipjack tuna, rock lobster, cockles and pilchards. A further 33 are in the “OK to eat” categories. Choose pets carefully: If you have a salt-water aquarium, make sure you ask where and how the animals you buy were collected. Look for the Marine Aquarium Council’s Certification in pet stores to find animals that were carefully harvested and well cared for. And never release an unwanted pet into the ocean or any waterway. Organisms that don’t belong can crowd out the locals and disrupt the ecosystem. Select sea-friendly souvenirs: Steer clear of jewelry, mementos, and products made from marine animals or animal parts, including shells and—especially—coral.
.Be water wise
Be mindful of water use, and what is being fed back down into the drains (and the oceans!)
.Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – Don’t buy one use items in the first place (but if you do, reuse it)
Try and avoid one use items, or items with no reusability, or, not recyclable. Build up of rubbish pollutes not only our land, but all our waterways and oceans.
.Mind your carbon footprint and reduce energy consumption
Buy Ocean-Friendly Products -Many cosmetic and cleaning products are produced through unsustainable or environmentally harmful methods. For example, plastic microbeads are often added to products you use to scrub and exfoliate, like body wash and toothpaste. Because they are too small for water filtration and processing plants to clean them out of the water, millions of tiny beads wind up in our waterways and eventually the ocean. There, fish and other sea life mistake them for food and eat them. High-phosphate detergents can also adversely affect the environment. When accumulated in water systems, phosphate can cause algae blooms that deplete the waters of oxygen, which causes marine life to suffocate and eventually die.
You can help keep the ocean and other waterways healthy by picking your cleaning products carefully. Forgo the bleach and harsh chemicals by choosing non-toxic cleaning products. Many household chores can be done with simple ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. The same goes for cosmetic products. Go with the ones made from organic materials.
When we burn fossil fuels (like oil, gas, or coal) to power our homes, businesses, and cars, we are adding the gas carbon dioxide to the air. The blanket of carbon dioxide we’ve been building for over a hundred years acts like a greenhouse, trapping more of the sun’s heat. More heat means a warmer ocean, which is taking its toll on marine life. It also causes the ocean to become more acidic, which makes it hard for organisms like corals and clams to build their skeletons and shells. You can help slow global warming and ocean acidification by reducing your “carbon footprint”—the amount of carbon dioxide released as you go about your daily activities.
Power down: Making little changes in the way we live can go a long way to reducing energy use—and carbon emissions. Try drying laundry on a clothesline or rack instead of in the dryer. Walk, bike, take the bus, or carpool to work or school. Replace light bulbs and older appliances with newer, more efficient models.
Switch sources: Not all energy comes from burning fossil fuels. Clean, unlimited energy can come from the sun, wind, or heat deep in the Earth (called geothermal). Call your power company or visit the Department of Energy’s Buying Green Power page to find alternative energy programs near you.
.Travel through waterways and the ocean responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, diving and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.
.Recreate responsibly
A trip to the beach or out on the water to snorkel or fish is a great way to learn more about the ocean and celebrate all it does for us. But when you visit, make sure you are not causing harm. Remember that every terrain is important to marine life—and to us!
On the sand: When walking on sand dunes, be careful of any grasses and plants growing there. Living plants help hold sand in place. Dead plants and seaweed provide fertilizer. Both should be left alone.
In the shallows: On rocky shores, the shallow “tidepools” that are exposed when the tide is out, can be a great place to look for interesting marine life. But be careful not to trample on these fragile critters and their homes. Look, but don’t touch.
Near the reef: When snorkeling or diving, never touch the reef! Corals and other animals are fragile and easily killed by a grasping hand or careless flipper. Also never feed or handle marine animals.
In open water: When boating, be very careful where you anchor. Anchors can scar reefs and rip out seagrass beds, which provide food and shelter for many species. Where permanent anchoring buoys are provided, use them.
.Don’t buy products made from marine life
When you visit any coastal town you are guaranteed to see souvenirs made from various forms of marine life. Do not buy:
Shell from sea turtles;
Coral jewelry;
Shark products, especially teeth and fins;
Any cosmetics containing traces of whales or sharks.
These products are directly linked to unsustainable fishing methods and the destruction of entire ecosystems.
.Pick up garbage and litter near beaches
Much of the plastic and debris found in the ocean have their beginnings in beach litter. As beach crowds increase, so does the amount of trash left behind. Don’t let your day at the beach contribute to the destruction of our oceans. Bring a trash bag with you for your garbage and volunteer for beach clean-ups. If you are a diver, you can also organize dives to clean the ocean floor. Those who want to take it a step further can even try to collaborate with local authorities and make these events regular.
.Spread the word!
The more active you are in conversation, the more aware others will become. Tell your family, friends, and neighbors about what’s going on with the world’s oceans and what they can do to make a difference.
Use social media to raise awareness, write persuasively and actively re-publish new material on ocean conservation sourced from global campaigners.
If you want to do more – Discuss matters of concern with your local grocers and encourage them to only stock sustainable and ocean-friendly products. Speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects.
.Support Marine Protected Areas
Studies report protecting 30 per cent of the world’s oceans from human influence will not only be good for conservation, but address challenges regarding overfishing, plastic pollution and climate change.
The current United Nations target is to protect 10 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2020 – a target considered too low to conserve marine ecosystems and sustain fisheries.
Right now, New Zealand has less than half a per cent of our marine environment fully protected, compared with a third of our land.
Well-managed, properly-designed marine reserves with appropriate boundaries can result in restored habitats, help recover fish populations and reduce pollution.
The best thing you can do is write to your local minister, local council or Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash.
Let them know we need more marine reserves to safeguard our marine habitats and ecosystems.
If we want to protect the climate, we must protect the ocean.
All branches of the Library at Ara will be closed on Monday the 6th June 2022 for the Queens birthday weekend. Our usual services will resume on Tuesday 7th June.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II (ER)
Queen Elizabeth II was not born on this day…her actual birth date was the 21st April 1926. Queen’s Birthday holiday is celebrated in New Zealand on the first Monday in June so the date moves year by year.
We hope you have a peaceful day and look forward to seeing back on campus after the long weekend.
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