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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POTTING MIX QUALITY
If, like me, you are an experienced and avid gardener you know how frustrating it is when those beautiful seedlings recently purchased fail to thrive. Have you ever considered it may not be your fault, you've done all the right things but it may be the new bag of potting mix you bought to plant them in . Have you ever complained to the garden centre? My recent experience showed the blatantly obvious difference between brands. The recently purchased product was nothing more than raw compost, whereas the previous product was a good mix and made the plants thrive. I was the only one to complain, there could not possibly be a problem with the product as they sell pallet loads of it........ Your comments would be appreciated.
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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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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53.4% Yes
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46.6% No
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