Celebrate Matariki at Sylvia Park

As it gets colder, our thoughts turn to Matariki, the Māori New Year. Matariki is an increasingly significant occasion in New Zealand, marked with a public holiday – this year on Friday 28 June. How will you celebrate Matariki with your whānau?

STARGAZE

One of the great things about Matariki is that the cluster can be seen with the naked eye – no telescopes, equipment or even binoculars required. You’ll need to get up early though, the best viewing is just before sunrise, at around 5.30am.  At this time, the cluster of stars will be just above the horizon so spend some time before Matariki thinking about an elevated vantage point without too much light pollution.  Look to the north-eastern horizon and find Orion’s Belt (Tautoru), also known as The Pot to many. Follow the line of Tautoru to the left, past bright Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran) to a cluster of stars – that’s Matariki!

GATHER

A famous whakataukī (proverb) says: ‘Matariki hunga nui’ meaning ‘Matariki has many people’ or ‘Matariki of many gatherings’. This whakataukī encourages us to gather together to celebrate the season. There are community events around New Zealand to get involved in – and learn a little too. There are a huge number of Matariki events running in Auckland, so no matter where you are, there will be something close by. In the central city, the beautiful Tūrama light installations will be back, the Auckland Botanic Gardens will host a Matariki Festival Day and the Stardome celebrates Matariki with their popular Matariki show. This is a great option if the weather outside is less than ideal but shows sell out quickly so get in early. There are also planting, education, craft and viewing activities around the rohe – check out matarikifestival.org.nz for events running right through June.

FEAST

Go traditional and gather at home with friends and family for a Matariki feast. Get your Tamariki involved, creating star garlands or Matariki themed crafts. Our kids know a lot more about Matariki than most of us, so get them to follow the Matariki tradition of storytelling and share their knowledge with guests. Try adding a new recipe to your family favourites. You could incorporate new flavours such as horopito or have a go at Parāoa Parai (fry bread), a favourite treat that is crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and as good with butter and jam as it is soaking up gravy!

Fry bread (Edmonds recipe)

2 cups of flour
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 sachet of dry yeast
¾ teaspoon of salt
1 cup of warm water
2 cups of vegetable or canola oil (save a little to oil your bench)

1. 1. Place the flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a bowl and stir to combine. Add most of the warm water and mix to form a soft dough, adding more water as required.
   2. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2 minutes.
   3. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover and leave for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
   4. Oil the bench and gently flatten the dough with your hands to form a square shape, about 1½ cm thick.
   5. Cut into 8 even-sized pieces and cover for 20 minutes.
   6. When it’s time to cook the fry bread, take care that children are kept at a safe distance. Heat the oil in a frypan. Test heat by placing a wooden spoon handle into the oil. It should steadily bubble around the handle. Allow oil to cool if it is too hot.
   7. Carefully place two pieces of dough into the oil and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until puffed and golden. Repeat for the remaining dough.
   8. Drain the bread on paper towel. Serve with your favourite toppings, or on the side with your main meal.

2024 is just the third year that we’ve celebrated Matariki with a public holiday, and many of us are still learning about Matariki and finding our own ways to celebrate. However you celebrate at your place, Mānawatia a Matariki!

Retailers:

1. Tahi: Star pendant, Walker & Hall
2. Rua: Star icepop mould, Farmers
3. Toru: Throw, Bed, Bath & Beyond
4. Wha: Matariki star, Paper Plus
5. Rima: Matariki book, Whitcoulls