Happy Matariki
Matariki at the House of Light – A New Tradition
In the heart of winter, when the nights are long and the air turns crisp, something ancient and something modern meet outside my front door.
Matariki rises in the dawn sky—a constellation of remembrance, of new beginnings, of those who came before us and those yet to come. And down below, in a quiet Napier neighbourhood, my house lights up in response.
People slow their cars. Kids press up against windows. Some call it a Christmas display, but this one? This is for Matariki. For the Māori new year. For reflection and community and hope. A winter celebration not tied to shopping or Santa—but to the stars, the land, and the stories that make us who we are.
Each light I hang is more than decoration—it’s memory. Of family. Of survival. Of laughter in hard years and joy in unexpected places. It’s a tribute to resilience, to togetherness, and to the stubborn belief that even in the darkest months, we are never without light.
There’s something beautifully circular about it. Matariki reminds us to look back, to honour those who’ve passed. And then it invites us forward—to plant intentions, to share kai, to gather and dream again. That’s what this display is. A gathering place. A spark of warmth in a cold season. A modern ritual rooted in love and lights.
So I string the stars across my roof. I let them shine blue and white and gold like constellations reborn. And I think of those who’ve stood in this garden before me, and those who will come after.
This is Matariki at Williams Wonderland—not just a spectacle, but a story in every light.
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Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.3% Yes
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46.7% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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