Matariki

Today is a public holiday to celebrate the Māori New Year / Matariki..

The 3 Principles for Matariki are
1. Rememberance - honouring those who have died since the last rising of Matariki. In my extra, I lit 3 candles-  for my sister, Jan; Aunt Margaret and cousin, Alastair. By the end of the evening by the lake there will be more than 200 tea candles lit by thise who choose to participate.

2. Celebrating the present - my main photo is guess who? Frida certainly lives in the present…and it’s wonderful being with her enjoying the here and now.

3. Looking to the future - it’s easier to think about the coming year in mid winter rather than in January when it is so busy with Christmas and our main summer holiday season.

I think a few leaders around the world could reflect on the 2025 theme for Matariki - it is about inclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating Matariki together. There was certainly a super atmosphere on the lake front, and there will be a hangi. Most of it is organised by our Kahu Youth group….they do a wonderful job.