Matariki

Today is Matariki - or the Māori New Year. For the first time, New Zealand is celebrating it with a national holiday and I’m enjoying learning about the Matariki stars (aka as Pleiades)and their meanings. It is basically a time to stop, reflect, celebrate and plan. To remember people who have died in the last 12 months; to celebrate with friends and Whanau (family) with food; to plan for the year ahead.
Our Local Kahu Youth group in Wānaka have celebrated it for many years with Kapa Haka (group singing, dancing)and a hangi (food steamed in the ground using the traditional Māori method). This year they will also have tents to represent each star with activities at each one to learn more about the meaning of each star. It will finish with fireworks. 

Another frosty start to the day. My main photo is hoar frost on rose hips. The additional photos show mist on the river and a close up shot showing hoar frost on Kanuka.