A new group, Murihiku Matariki, approached the Invercargill City Council earlier this year to offer guidance and assistance in planning the festival.

Group member Jay Coote said Murihiku Matariki first came together in October last year, with the focus on collaboration to ensure Matariki celebrations in Southland were consistent, and represented Maori in a fitting way.

“We’re working alongside the four Southland runakas, talking to our kaumatuas, our elders, getting their blessings … and making sure everything we tell people about is consistent,” Mr Coote said.

Previously, there have been many different stories of Matariki, the cluster of stars that herald the Maori new year.

However, Murihiku Matariki has identified with the research and teachings of Dr Rangi Matamua, now widely accepted as the true korero of Matariki.

According to Dr Matamua, there are nine stars in the Matariki constellation.

Mr Coote said Murihiku Matariki would be focusing on the Matariki star itself for this year’s celebrations, which represents wellbeing.

“It seems to align really well at the moment with a lot of things going on in Local Government and Government – you could say the Matariki stars are aligning!”

Murihiku Matariki are this year hoping to educate the community on the true Matariki story through multiple events planned from mid-June until early July.

The first main event will be a light festival in Queens Park, representing new beginnings, featuring lanterns and stars made by Southland children, to be held on June 22 and 23.

“It will tell the story of the creation of man through the Maori world view, and also talking about the creation of Matariki.”

The ICC has been supporting Murihiku Matariki group member Sharne Parkinson, who has provided several schools and a scout group with craft packs to make the stars.

The stars will then be used to decorate Esk Street for the Matariki Festival market day, to be held on June 29.

Ms Parkinson will also be providing weaving workshops on the day, where people can have a go at making their own poi or tipane (headbands).

The ICC says Murihiku Matariki has been instrumental in helping to organise this year’s festival, providing cultural guidance and advice, and recruiting volunteers and artists to contribute to the celebrations on the day.

Mr Coote said Matariki provided the opportunity for everyone to connect to culture – whatever that may be.

“If they’re not familiar with Matariki, being involved in a new culture, if they’ve lost their connection, they can find their connection through Matariki if they want.”