Matariki

Friday morning started early--6:45 down on the beach for a Maori New Year celebration known as Matariki.  Matariki also refers to the Pleiades or The Seven Sisters star cluster.  We gathered around a Maori community leader who explained the history and meaning of Matariki, then a Maori prayer / blessing was offered.

After the beach, many of us gathered at the neighborhood school for breakfast together.

The teachers prepared and served breakfast of porridge, cold cereal, toast, fruit, juice, tea, or Milo (a roasted barley, malt / chocolate drink).

The Principal was in the middle of it too.

After breakfast we went outside on the school grounds and planted a tree, and the kids sang Maori songs.

It's the beginning of the Maori New Year and nearly the end of our time in NZ.  We are sad to see it come to an end.  It has been a wonderful experience.