His Excellency Mr. Philip Hewitt, New Zealand High Commissioner, welcomed guests to the Residence on 18 June 2024 to join in the celebration of the Māori New Year.
Matariki is a star cluster that appears in the early morning sky in New Zealand during the mid-winter months. It is one of the brightest clusters in the sky, containing hundreds of member stars. The Māori people of New Zealand hold dawn ceremonies to signal the Māori New Year with the heliacal rising of the Pleiades star cluster.
Guests enjoyed walking through the New Zealand rainforest at the entrance of the Residence and then perusing the art by a young Māori artist named Hariata Mann, who is a student at the Auckland University of Technology where she studies communication design. Hariata’s perception of the nine different stars which make up the Matariki constellation were created on posters to share her love of te ao Māori with others.
H.E. Mr. Hewitt acknowledged the people of the land who pay tribute to those who have gone before us and give thanks for the living. As an official public holiday since 2022, the recognition of Matariki also reflects New Zealand’s journey to understand its identity as a nation. The special day was celebrated in New Zealand on 28 June.
The celebration of Matariki has evolved to be guided by three principles. The first is remembrance, where those who have died since the last rising are honoured. The second is celebrating the present, gathering together with family and friends to share food. Lastly, it is about looking to the future, anticipating the promise of a new year and a new beginning. It is also the time to prepare for the planting of crops for the year ahead. Environmentally, Matariki is significant as it encourages sustainable practices and respect for the land, promoting activities that connect with nature.
The Māori were not alone in recognising the cluster. Here in South Africa, the cluster is known by the Xhosa and Zulu as isiLimela, “the digging star,” whose appearance warned of the coming need to begin hoeing the ground. Once the constellation is visible in the early morning in June, communities in South Africa and New Zealand know it is time to start preparing and planting crops.
“We give thanks for the opportunity to be together with family and friends to celebrate the present and all that we are grateful for,” said H.E. Mr. Hewitt.
The evening included the tasting of Manuka honey, which has many health benefits including wound healing, soothing sore throats, and supporting digestive health.
Outside, under the stars in Pretoria, guests joined in this wonderful celebration of the Māori New Year.
by Marion Kate
