Matariki Waihi 2011

Saturday 4 June, 2011 -
Friday 1 July, 2011

TIME: Throughout June

This year schools around Waihi will be coming together to celebrate Matariki and encourage knowledge of this important celestial event for New Zealand.

Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters; and what is referred to as the traditional Maori NewYear. Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God).The sighting of Matriki in the morning sky signals the beginning of the Maori New Year and it's appearance has been used for centuries to signify what the coming year will bring.

Some exciting things will be happening in and around Waihi including a visit from Star Dome, performance and student workshops by the celebrated Kahurangi Dance Co, a town hikoi (walk) to the Pumphouse, a dawn viewing of Matariki, shop window displays, radio promotions which will be produced by students at Waihi College here on Gold FM and more.

Preparations are still being made, so tune into Gold FM and we'll keep you up to date with all the different events and dates.