Mānawatia a Matariki ... Happy Māori New Year!

We get to enjoy our first Matariki public holiday this Friday. It's not just another long weekend, but a time of renewal and celebration that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster. It's an opportunity to remember those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki, to celebrate the present by gathering together and giving thanks for what we have, and to look to the future and the promise of a new year.

If you're keen to view the rising of the Matariki star cluster, it can be found low on the horizon in the north east of the sky from around 5.30am. To find Matariki, look to the left of Tautoru (Orion's Belt or the bottom three stars of 'the pot') and find the bright orange star, Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran). Follow an imaginary line from Tautoru, across to Taumata-kuku and keep going left until you see a cluster of stars ... Matariki.

The Saint Johns Butchery store will be open all weekend, with our friendly team of butchers ready to assist you in your selection of meaty treats. Our opening hours this long weekend:
Friday ... 7.30am - 5.00pm
Saturday ... 8.00am - 6.00pm
Sunday ... 8.30am - 5.00pm

Mānawatia a Matariki ... Happy Māori New Year!

Graphic: Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand

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