Matariki 2023 at Waipapa Taumata Rau

The movement of the Matariki constellation provides important signals in the Māori calendar and throughout the Pacific. As Matariki sets below the horizon this year, around 13 May 2023, Māori wisdom notes this signals the end of harvest as winter sets in. Hauhake tū ka tō Matariki.

When the Matariki constellation once again becomes visible above the horizon, we celebrate the new year, we make plans, and we begin to plant and prepare for the seasons ahead. Matariki will be rising above the horizon between 10-13 July 2023.

Matariki is a time to reconnect with friends and whānau, sharing kai (food) with one another, reflecting on the year that was, remembering our loved ones who have passed since the last Matariki rising, kaitiakitanga of our environment and waters, and sharing our blessings and good fortune. 

What’s on at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland

Te Maramataka o Matariki: Celebrating Matariki by living by the moon, stars, land, and ocean

Facilitated by the Faculty of Science, co-director of the Centre for Pūtaiao and Indigenous astronomer Te Kahuratai Moko-Painting is hosting a presentation that shares an introduction to the Māori lunar calendar, Maramataka.

Maramataka can be known as the Maori lunar-stellar-ecological calendar where the words marama (moon) and taka (to turn) give the literal meaning “the turning of the moon”.

Through sharing knowledge of maramataka with a focus on tatai arorangi (Māori astronomy), this presentation will explore pūrakau (Māori narratives) and tikanga (customs and correct procedures) of Matariki to inform how we can all honour and Matariki this year.

Dinner is to follow with a range of delicious options like rewena dinner rolls, hāngī smoked chicken, raw fish, kawakawa roasted root vegetables, sapasui, fa’ausi maukegi and more.

Ticket sales for this event have closed.

Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences support Māori Wardens

For nearly two decades, the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences has observed, acknowledged and celebrated Matariki. This year the faculty gathers again with a daytime celebration at our Grafton quad.

Every year, in the spirit of generosity, the faculty features a community initiative that is fund-raising and attendees give koha to support these groups.

The faculty will continue this invitation for koha this year to support the Māori Wardens.

Details
Date: Monday 17 July
Time: 12-2pm
Location: Grafton quad, outside main entrance to building 505. If the weather is unsuitable, we will move inside to the Grafton Atrium.

For catering purposes, staff can register here.

University holds its first Kawe Aroha in acknowledgement of passed loved ones

Waipapa Marae and the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Māori are hosting the University’s first Kawe Aroha on 19 July.

The Kawe Aroha is aligned with Pōhutukawa, the eldest child of Matariki and the star that is connected to the dead.

While Matariki is a time of celebration and new beginnings, this is also a significant time when Māori honour the memories of all the people who have passed since the last rising of Matariki.

This Kawe Aroha will be a first-time opportunity for University kaimahi and tauira who wish to gather together to acknowledge our loved ones, with refreshments to follow.

Details
Date: Wednesday 19 July
Time: 9-11am
Location: Waipapa Marae

Staff can register here, click "Get Tickets" for more info.

Matariki Whakapiripiri Seminar

Te Kura Akoranga me te Tauwhiro Tangata, the Faculty of Education and Social Work present a series of kōrero from its prestigious scholars, exploring whakapapa, waiata, pepeha, whānau, and collaboration.

Chaired by Hēmi Dale, the seminar is open to everyone and is aimed at teachers, researchers and students looking to gain more understanding about connecting to people, places and narratives.

Kōrero
A Fire in the Belly of Hineamaru
From peacemakers and strategists to explorers and entrepreneurs, the tūpuna of the North are an inspiration to the people of Te Tai Tokerau. Through whakapapa, kōrero, waiata and pepeha, authors Melinda Webber and Kapua O’Connor introduce us to the actions, places, values, and aspirations of these tūpuna.

Matike Mai Te Hiaroa
#ProtectIhumātao Jenny Lee-Morgan and Frances Hancock will reflect on their work on the Marsden-funded, Indigenousled research project, Matike Mai Te Hiaroa: #ProtectIhumātao. They will discuss the idea of ‘becoming whānau’ and its possibilities for productive Hapū–academic collaborations.

The Pākehā Pou
The Marae History Project (MHP) is recording the narratives attached to the creation of Tūtahi Tonu, the whare whakairo at Epsom Campus. Each of the whare’s taonga has a story to tell including that of the Pākehā pou carved by former student Jim Stretton in 1983. He and MHP researcher Rose Yukich kōrero about the pou and its mysterious bunch of keys that connects past challenges to present-day concerns.

Details
Date: Wednesday 19 July
Time: 10.30am – 12.30pm
Venue: J1 Lecture Theatre Epsom Campus