Our Ministry of Education team in Kaitāia decided to a Matariki lunch as a joyous welcoming of the new year in the Māori calendar. Our small office of twelve which is made up of an array of people from around the world (including Austria, South Africa, Philippines, Germany), all pitched in for the day either preparing food, setting up the kitchen, cleaning up, or doing the karakia kai.

For myself as someone fairly new to the country (having only been here two years), it was an experience of all of the beautiful things about Māori culture such as whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, opportunities for ako, and enjoying great company over some good kai. I've also learnt a new kaikōhau that I repeat every day and I have learnt about the different stars of Matariki.

An awesome opportunity! Kia kaha Te Reo Māori