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A temporary, but colourful feature of Orewa Library is the Matariki skyline painting located in the children’s section of the library. It is on display until the end of these school holidays. Organisers of the painting, Orewa Library’s LeeAnne Wikitoria Wade and Liz Morris, wanted something fun for the kids to do during the holidays. They designed an image of the Matariki stars and Orewa skyline, which was then painted by children. Liz says around 40 children helped to create the skyline, with the older ones painting and the little ones decorating and placing the stars. Photos, Chantel Strydom
Local schools and libraries led the way with Matariki celebrations over the past month.
Children were at the forefront, taking part in Kapa Haka performances, as well as getting involved in kite making, weaving, painting, writing and other creative and cultural activities.
Three schools took part in the Kapa Haka performances at Whangaparaoa Library on June 25 – Stanmore Bay School, Red Beach School and Whangaparaoa College.
A total of 120 performers were set to brave mid-winter temperatures lightly clad in their Kapa Haka costumes, however the librarians decided to move the performances indoors, where they received a warm reception from the public.
School holiday options at Orewa Library were focused on Matariki and included a lesson in Maori medicine, story telling, weaving puti-puti, painting and making poi.
The month-long Matariki celebrations, which began on June 18, are now drawing to a close.
Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters. The Maori New Year is marked by the rise of these stars in winter.
