Mānawatia a Matariki!

It was such a joy to have our tamariki, whānau, Kaiako, and community with us as we celebrated Matariki Bream Bay Kindergarten styles.

In Te Tai Tokerau, many iwi acknowledge Puanga as the first sign of the new year. Whether you follow Puanga or Matariki, this time is about remembering those who have passed, releasing what no longer serves us, and resetting our intentions for the year ahead - together.

During Matariki we celebrate our unique place in the world, we give respect to the whenua on which we live and give admiration to Papatuanuku.

He aha te mea nui o te ao?

He tangata, he tangata, he tangata

What is the most important thing in the world?

It is people, it is people, it is people.

In a world where life can sometimes be very busy, Matariki reminds us to slow down. To reconnect - with each other, with the taiao, and with our whānau. It’s a time to pause, to breathe, and to remember what truly matters.

Take the time to cherish what is right here in front of us - our people, our place, and our stories. Appreciate the beauty of tradition, of mātauranga, and nurture the dreams of our tamariki and ourselves.

We, the kaiako here at Bream Bay Kindergarten, do not stand alone. We come with the support, aroha and knowledge of many. Matariki is an opportunity for us to appreciate and give heartfelt thanks to our whānau who have so generously shared their mātauranga - their culture, skills, and stories - with us. Your guidance helps us grow a deeper understanding of Matariki and te ao Māori, and how we can honour this kaupapa in meaningful ways.

 

This year we celebrated Matariki with a Hangi and as we shared kai together, we acknowledged Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi - stars of Matariki that guide us to give thanks for the kai from Papatūānuku and Ranginui, the earth and the skies. 

Our celebration, our hākari, was a labour of love - a reflection of our collective effort and aroha. We were so grateful to everyone who helped and supported us - whether you helped dig the pit, prepare the kai, wrap the food, share a kōrero, or simply arrived with a smile - he mihi kau atu ki a koutou katoa. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

To our parents, caregivers, aunties, uncles, and grandparents - ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. Thank you for trusting us with your most precious taonga. Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey of ako and growth.

               

Mānawatia a Matariki!