23rd June 2021 / 10:00 AM at Franklin: The Centre, Stevenson Room, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe
Attendees
Robyn Hoffman Andrew Beyers Annemieke Van Dan Jan Wallace Judith Tucker Helen Pullman Jill Lomas Daniella Jansen Van Resenburg Nikita Naea Philippa Bell Chantelle Kaiha Rachel Cheeseman Maria Aka Judy Boyd Melissa Walker Tate Vicky Mee Angela Hanson D Thompson Coral Timmins
Beth Collings L Kakano Debbie Whiteside Cherie Milne Shona Paterson
Apologises
Sally Wallender Lynne Richardson Bridget Davis
Welcome
Jan Wallace welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Pukekohe North School Kapa Haka group performed several songs, this group has progressed from competing at the regional competition recently, they are now fundraising for the New Zealand National competition in Nelson in November.
Guest Speaker – Andrew Beyer
Andrew gave a presentation on how the lunar and solar calendars and how the calendars become accepted world-wide, and how Passover and Easter dates are determined. Chinese New Year is also celebrated based on the lunar calendar. Andrew outlined the significant stars that are well known Southern Cross, Seven Stars known as Matariki. These stars are recognised by other cultures around the world, although they may be known by other names and the stories of what the names mean and the stories behind the names.
A couple of videos were shown which outlined the history of Matariki and its significance and what each of the seven stars represent, and the last video Dr Rangi Mataamua explained how the date changes when Matariki is celebrated, from next year Matariki will be celebrated by a public holiday.
There are a number of events happening around Auckland and Waikato celebrating Matariki, both Auckland and Waikato Council websites.
New Zealand Steel Gallery at Franklin: The Centre has an exhibition running to celebrate Matariki and also how Franklin reacted in last year’s lockdown. There is a photography exhibition from Denise Mata.
Next month’s meeting is showcasing tertiary education, hoping to have a representative from MSD.
The meeting was closed by Jan Wallace, reminding everyone that there is a presentation tomorrow night at the Town Hall and a Hiko on saturday.
Meeting closed at 12.00.