Matariki with MERC
In the time of Matariki, when the stars rise to usher in a new year, we find ourselves gathered in the warmth of whānau, reflecting on the past and planting the seeds for the future. Matariki, a sacred cluster of stars, has always been a guiding light for our people—a time to honour our ancestors, celebrate our identities, and connect deeply with our community. It is a season of renewal, where the whispers of the past guide us in nurturing the potential within each of us, especially our tamariki.
Over the past year, our tamariki have journeyed through many experiences, learning and growing with each step. But it is Matariki, the time when the sky fills with stories of old, that stands out as their highlight. Our Matariki Camp with the Sir Peter Blake Marine Education and Recreation Centre (MERC) has become a cherished tradition, a time when the teachings of our tūpuna are brought to life. For the past three years, this camp has been a beacon of joy, learning, and connection for our tamariki, a time when they truly come into their own.
At Kia Puāwai te Kākano, we hold Matariki close to our hearts as it perfectly aligns with our mission of nurturing growth in five essential areas: Identity and Whakapapa, Social Capability and Community Connection, Long-Term Behaviour Change, Healing and Recovery, and Creating Healthy Relationships and Skills. Matariki is not just a celebration; it is a time to strengthen our cultural roots, to build resilience within our whānau, and to look ahead with hope and determination. As the stars of Matariki shine brightly above, so too do the hearts and minds of our tamariki, ready to grow and flourish in the year to come.