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Last modified: 30 Jun 2023 1:06pm

picture of the Matariki star cluster

Ko Matariki kei runga, ko te tohu tēnā o te tau hou!
When Matariki rises, that is the sign of the new year.

A celebration of trees, forest, food and music will be at the heart of this year’s events marking Matariki.

Each year, Selwyn District Council focuses its celebrations on one of the nine stars in Matariki. This year we celebrate Tupuārangi who is connected with everything that grows up in our trees and forests such as birds, berries, and other fruits of the forest.

The gathering and preservation of these resources helped sustain Māori through the cold winter months — and a series of warm fun events are planned to help us mark the this time of celebration and renewal.

Starting on Saturday 8 July with a kete weaving workshop with members of Te Kāhui Hono, a collective of Selwyn and Ōtautahi weavers preserving traditional craft skills, the event series will take in a sing along for kids with the popular Loopy Tunes music duo and lessons on native plant propagation and bird watching through to a series of community garden open days.

A special Dinners of Selwyn will combine marking Matariki with the many different cultures and backgrounds of our more recent settlers in Waikirikiri Selwyn with guests bringing a dish to share, but also being invited to share their favourite recipe featuring fruit and/or berries.

Playing games is also a big part of Matariki, so bring a family game to enjoy with everyone.

Find a full list of Selwyn Matariki events or pick up a copy of our What’s On in Selwyn guide from the Council offices or any of the Selwyn Libraries.