SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES

Matariki has become a truly important time of year for many New Zealanders with Matariki events keeping people busy all over Aotearoa in the frosty midwinter months. It is an important time to celebrate the earth and show respect for the land. As the weather cools and the sky becomes darker, the lead-up to Matariki is the perfect time to settle in and read with the children in your life. This has been eagerly reflected in the publication of books around this topic and while there are books aimed at adult audiences, demand is especially strong in children’s books with several titles being released every year. Many ECE’s and schools keen for new titles to engage students with as well as participating in events, activities and concerts to celebrate the Festival. It’s great to see our wider whanau come together to celebrate our oneness as a community and at the same time celebrate and acknowledge the cultural richness and diversity within our community.

For adults it’s a chance to discover the many secrets and stories held by the cosmos, moon and stars with these

■ illuminating reads sure to satisfy your curiosity.

Puanga by Sam Rerekura is a fascinating read about how Maori people in Aotearoa observed Puanga to mark the beginning of the Maori New Year. In Maori mythology Puanga was believed to be the older brother of Matariki. His cosmic rising between May and June in the early morning sky signalled the beginning of

■

■