Kia ora tatou
This morning I braved a chilly dawn (6.00am) today to join
approximately 100 others on slopes of the Bowentown lookout to celebrate the
arrival of Matariki (The Maori New Year).
A crystal clear sky filled with stars and a large retreating
moon glistened over our shoulders. The shimmering waters of Bowentown harbour
reflected the moons magnificence as it prepared to drop below the western
horizon and allow a beautiful dawn to set an awesome start not only to a new
day but also the start of the Maori new year.
We were spell bound by the mystical korero of Reon Tuanau
(Otawhiwhi) as he first welcomed us to this special place and then shared the
significance and importance of the arrival of Matariki to not just Maori but to
us all as New Zealanders. Reon identified the position of the stars, told
stories of the past. He explained that Matariki represented a time for
reflecting on the past and preparing for the future and he challenged us to
think about and set personal and group aspirations. As the dawn started to
lighten the sky the closing karakia and waiata (Whakaaria mai) filled my soul
and sent me eager into a magnificent new day.
Thank you to all involved in organising this event
especially.
· Waihi Beach
School (Staff and supporters) you are to congratulated not just for
organising an event that allowing us to share the significance of special
celebrations (Matariki) and the wisdom of our local people and special places
but also for the magnificent soup and bread to warm our tummies.
· Reon Tuanau
and Whanau Otawhiwhi, Thank you for sharing with our community the
importance of Matariki and the special place Bowentown. Your passion was obvious
and freely shared and I was moved by the korero.
Pai mutunga.
What a magnificent start to a fantastic new
day.
Alistair Cochrane
Waihi College
Principal
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