Matariki Puanga 2024
Published on 12 June 2024
Join us to discover the nine stars and come together for Matariki Puanga at the Libraries this year from Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July 2024.
Why are we celebrating Matariki and Puanga?
Some iwi struggle to see Matariki clearly from their locality and therefore look to the next important star near Matariki. That star is Puanga. Puanga is the star Rigel and is the brightest star in the Orion constellation.
Both Matariki and Puanga are associated with Māori New Year. For some iwi who are able to view both, Puanga arrives first to farewell the year gone, followed by Matariki to welcome the new year.
Nā te aha mātou i whakanui ai a Matariki rāua ko Puanga?
E kore e kitea e ētahi iwi te kāhui whetū o Matariki I ō rātou rohe. Ko tā rātou he aro atu ki te whetū Puanga. Ko Puanga te whetū e kī a nei ko Rigel. Koia ko te whetū pīata o Te Kakau a Māui.
E hāngai ana a Puanga me Matariki ki te tau hou o te Māori. Mā ētahi iwi, e tohu ana a puanga ki te mutunga o te tau, ā, ko Matariki e tohu ana ki te tau hou e haeremai ana
What's on for Matariki 2024?
Matariki themed stories at StoryTots
Tuesdays | 10AM to 10.30AM | Pinehaven Library
Wednesdays | 10AM to 10.30AM | Central Library
Thursdays | 10AM to 10.30AM | Central Library
Film loop with memories of Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta | Upper Hutt
On screen from Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July
Take a walk down memory lane of old Upper Hutt this Matariki and relive your memories of Upper Hutt through the years.
Matariki 2024: Shared Kai Space
Wednesday, 26 June 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Central Library
Our Shared Kai Space welcomes you with delicious hot soup, a sausage sizzle, and a warm space to spend time and reflect, and to share stories and knowledge on growing good food and supporting communities. Proudly supported by Ōrongomai Marae, the Salvation Army, and the Upper Hutt City Council's Community Development Team and the Libraries Team.
Whetū Quilt: wishes for the new year
On display from Monday 24 June to Friday 5 July
Drop by Central Library and add your well-wishes for the new year to our whetū quilt to tell us how you are celebrating Matariki this year. Just pick up a paper star and pop your thoughts on it and stick it to the quilt. Our whetū quilt will be on display during the Matariki celebration at the library.