Matariki - a personal journey
In recent years you will have noticed a growing interest in Matariki, Maori New Year. It is an ancient tradition that has seen a resurgence in the last few years, perhaps a reflection of the growing bicultural journey that Aotearoa New Zealand is increasingly on.
I, too, have been on a bicultural journey that has taken me by surprise. Although I grew up in a household full of history and politics, the only history I remember doing at school was 18th century European, the forming of states, and the Russian Revolution, complete with a song about Rasputin by Boney M!
When my husband and I lived in England I loved the historic places we visited. I found myself identifying with English and European history more than New Zealand/Maori history. This was my history, but just a part of it really.
Forward nearly 20 years….
At our daughters’ first high school prizegiving in 2017 I was struck by something I still struggle to explain. Tikanga Maori was woven throughout the evening and it was a really special experience. At times I was unsure what to do, and others around me were the same. I was distressed that I didn’t know, and my distress boarded on embarrassment.
Afterwards I felt very strongly that I really needed to learn and to know what to do. I was uncomfortable that the majority of us at the prizegiving were being culturally insensitive, and I realised that this was no longer ok. I resolved to rectify this, I wasn’t sure how to, but it was time to start my own bicultural journey.
My colleagues at church were also keen to be more proactive with our engagement with Tikanga Maori and Te Reo Maori. Together we enrolled in Te Reo classes, committing ourselves to three hours a week, four Saturdays during the year and two weekend stays on a marae. It was hard work, it was a huge challenge, it really stretched us, but it was good. In fact, it was very good.
My church has been on a bicultural journey for some years and for the past five years has intentionally engaged with Matariki. This has been a journey of learning and appreciation, enriching our lives, acknowledging differences and growing through them. It has been an individual journey and a corporate journey.
I have collected a number of resources that I tried out with the children. Here are a couple of resources that pick up on two Matariki symbols; Stars and Kites.
The journey, my journey, is ongoing….
Books that offer an introduction to Matariki to read:
Daniel’s Matariki Feast, by Rebecca Beyer and Linley Wellington
The Seven Kites of Matariki, by Calico McClintock and Dominque Ford