Retail: $2
www.gbweekly.co.nz
Friday 17 July 2020
Light and creativity at Matariki
Mid-winter warmer: Last Friday’s Matariki celebration on Pohara beach was centred around a big toasty fire. Photo: Paige Lynette Photography. JO RICHARDS
Friday’s Matariki celebrations on Pohara beach swapped last year’s spectacular parade and live music show for a more intimate affair. Arts worker Tania Marsden, who organised both events, says this year’s festival of light and fire was very well attended. “We were really delighted with the turnout at Pohara beach.” Those who arrived early were greeted with a magical sight, according to Tania. “An avenue of lanterns, rainbow flags and flowers created a warm welcome to our big toasty fire, where we had a brief welcome and spoke about the traditions of Matariki.” Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars more commonly known as the Pleiades, which rises in the mid-winter night sky, and
WATER TANKS
With a reduced pool of listings in the market, your place is sure to make waves
from 450 to 30,000 Litre in a range of colours, shapes and sizes, and from a range of suppliers. come see the team for price and advice
Billy Kerrisk Limited Licenced (REAA 2008)
027 608 5606 - billy.kerrisk@raywhite.com
Inside: Richie McCaw THE GB WEEKLY, FRIDAY 17 JULY 2020
for many Māori, heralds the beginning of a new year. Matariki translates to “eyes of god” or “little eyes”. Traditionally, Matariki was a time to remember those who had died in the last year. But it was also a happy event – crops had been harvested and seafood collected, and it was a time for singing, dancing and feasting. Friday’s gathering on Pohara beach was part of a growing modern tradition of celebrating Matariki and began, appropriately, with a Māori prayer. “We had an opening karakia, and beautiful waiata with lots of people singing along,” says Tania, who was impressed with the efforts made by everyone to make the evening special. “All the people who showed up, dressed up, and brought their community spirit, light and creativity.”
Do you need? Screen Protectors & Charging Cables
return all the LED glowsticks they were playing with, as in their words, ‘they belong to the community’.” Golden Bay Community Arts Council are already planning to bring the full light festival back to Takaka next year. “We want to hear from interested artists now if they would like to create an installation,” says Tania. “We would also like to expand our workshop programme from now on, and invite interested artists to run workshops at our community art space at 24 Commercial Street.” Anyone interested in creating installations or running workshops for Matariki 2021, should contact Tania Marsden at: gbartsnz@ gmail.com More photos on page 8
support@zentec.co.nz www.zentec.co.nz 65 Commercial St 03 525 8371
Tech Accessories Computers, Tablets & Smartphones
11-13 Buxton Lane - Takaka (03) 525 9482 www.pipeworx.co.nz 027 432 0873 shop@pipeworx.co.nz
Community Board
She believes that the event doesn’t have to be big to be beautiful. “While it was quite a contrast to last year’s big town celebration, it was just as special, with lots of connection and conversation happening around the fire. It was a perfect night, still and starry, and it is nice to know we ‘left no trace’ - the final softly glowing embers were doused by the incoming tide with just a small circle remaining for the closing karakia.” Tania says among many special moments, two stand out. “A highlight for me was making wishes for the year ahead with the children, which involves fairy dust thrown with full intent into the fire, and sheer delight as it bursts into flames and sparkles. Another was hearing that the children had made sure to
USB Sticks & SD Cards External Hard Drives
See us in store.
Computing Solutions
Gardening Wahine exhibition
ISSN (PRINT) 2538-0923 ISSN (ONLINE) 2538-0931
1
