NZNO celebrates Matariki.

Matariki--the Maori New Year--was celebrated at NZNO national office on June 15, organised by policy analyst Maori Sharon Clair.

Matariki is named after a constellation of stars commonly know as the Pleiades and is seen as the time to prepare, learn, share ideas and celebrate the future. It looks set to become an annual feature of national office celebrations. Guests included NZNO staff, members of the board of directors including president Jane O'Malley, members of Te Runanga 0 Aotearoa NZNO, other union representatives and kaihaapai whaia Vera Morgan and Rev Leo Te Kira.

This year, guest speaker was Maori Language Commission Matariki co-ordinator Trevor Shaiter, who is of Ngati Kauwhata and Ngati Hauiti descent. Matariki contained many themes, he said. "It is a time to think about papatuanuku, to show respect for mother earth and to plant native trees and bushes. It is a time to think about Ranginui, to took for a pathway in the stars, set goals for the future, and allow our children to be inspired by something beyond themselves. It is a time for takoha or sharing, acknowledging what you have and what you have to give; a time to reflect on whakapapa and on those who have had an input on the things we do."

Like all good celebrations, the NZNO event included a hakari and cultural items from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Nga Mokopuna and the Samoan Nurses' Association.

Speaking after the event, Shaiter said he was delighted with the growing awareness in the non-Maori world of the significance of Matariki. However, he was keen to help develop a national strategy about how to celebrate the festival and to honour its themes. "The notion of Matariki transcends cultures, but it is also important to retain its original Maori integrity. We hope to bring together all those who have a stake in Matariki to work together and discuss future strategies."