A New Dawn: Matariki, Maori New Year Celebrations at the Hindu Heritage Centre.

The Maori New Year was celebrated by the Hindu and Indian Community at the Hindu Heritage Centre with zest and enthusiasm on 16 June 2007. On this occasion, Mr Haare Williams, Kaumatua – Maori Elder, presided over the function and planted a Pohutukawa sapling to mark the occasion. Mr. Haare Williams is a renowned Maori educationist, pioneer and an independent consultant in Maori aspects of education, health, business, art and the media. Mr. Haare Williams in his speech said that Maori New Year celebrations signify the importance of land and plant life. Hindu Council of New Zealand Inc. looks forward to closely working with Tangata Whenua (indigenous Maori community) to learn and share the indigenous knowledge and traditions.

In the past Matariki star constellation was used to predict how the coming year would be in regard to the size of the harvest, so it was very important for Maori to prepare the land as best they could in order to enable the coming year to be successful. It was a time for everyone to learn about the trees, crops and environment that was around them. Therefore the land, its conservation and care is at the forefront of the Matariki celebrations. Mr Haare Williams gave the analogy of the seed in every fruit, flower and tree to be of paramount importance for survival and that the seed when planted in the land gives rise to prosperity and life.

Mr. Haare Williams expressed his happiness of the effort the Indian community was making in participating with the Maori New Year Celebrations. Mr. Haare Williams said that more coming together of different cultures was essential to foster peace, mutual understanding and harmony. Many other dignitaries and guests including Mr. Peter Sykes and Ms. Vicki Sykes were present to celebrate the occasion.

Dr.Lingappa Kalburgi was honoured with a bouquet for achieving the Queen's Honours for 1997 the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to the Indian community. The Matariki celebrations concluded with a nice Indian vegetarian lunch.

In its forthcoming activities, as a continuation of its association with Tangata Whenua the Hindu Heritage Centre will be conducting Te Reo Maori languages at the premises.