Matariki is a Māori celebration that happens between May and June. Some iwi say there’s 7 sisters but others say it’s 9 sisters. Regardless, Both iwi consider Matariki as the elder sister or mother of the cluster.

I don’t really recall any Matariki celebration but I do remember some information I learned from Homai Primary School. When I first came to New Zealand, I had no clue what Matariki was until I was in primary. I first heard it when my classroom teacher was reading a story about Matariki. The story was about a girl and her family visiting her Koroua. They bought warm food (which I think was the Hangi) with them as one of their culture traditions. Her Koroua or grandpa then told her the story of Matariki and the meaning of why they celebrate it.

When Ranginui and Papatūānuku were separated, Tāwhirimātea filled with fury, gouged out his eyes and threw them in the sky. Over the years, Matariki would be translated to ‘Eyes of God'(Mata ariki) or ‘Little Eyes'(Mata riki). Matariki is meant to bring light to the empty absence between the sky father and earth mother. Māori recognised Matariki as a sign of spring and new year. Matariki is about remembering those who have passed before us, but it’s also about acknowledging the ones that are present with us.

Many people have different opinions about Matariki, but it’s always a time to embrace the past, present and our loved ones. Some people express their love through a haka, a gift or just saying the magic words to make someone feel warm, we have someone to love and think about, families, friends and others too. It’s not really an active celebration but learning and crafting about it is how I celebrate Matariki, even sharing about it too. How do you celebrate Matariki?

Back in my primary school every Language Week, we had a daily assembly on Monday to start the week, then we would have challenges relating to the specific culture like “Say 1 to 10 in Tongan” and you would usually record yourself enunciating it. We would also have special cultural food like Tongan donuts or Indian sweets. Finally on Friday, we finish the week with assembly (including a few dances).

I remember when I was a Year 6, it was Samoan Language Week and every student and teacher was pumped up with enthusiasm, especially those who were Samoan. Back in my school, we didn’t have a school bell, probably because of the poor condition so when we came to school, there would always be a teacher on duty outside everyday to tell the kids when to come inside. Anyways, it was time to start school and all of the old and young years went to their classrooms (we had seperate rooms instead of spaces) and did their morning roll with their teacher.

After we finished, we usually lined up outside of our classroom thenwalked into the Hall. When we walked inside, it was filled with petite children, lined up with their classroom teacher from the front to halfway on both sides. When everyone settled inside, the principal of my school would stand on the stage in front of all the ‘eyeing’ kids, shouting “E Tu!” Everyone would stand up, say the Maori and English prayer, then sing the national anthem along with the video just like every week. But what’s special about it is after the national anthem, we sang the national anthem of the language. After we sang, the principal would say “E Noho!” to settle the kids down, then we have notices about what the week would look like, what activities we were to do and so on.

Every Language Week, we would have a flag raising ceremony the day after day 1. We would first line up with our classrooms, then raise the flag while having a moment of silence as representing a sign of respect. When the flag is raised, someone let’s say someone who is Samoan would say a prayer in their native tongue and then everyone walks back to their classroom.

During Samoan Language Week, I learned some basic words like “Talofa lava”, but also learned more about the culture itself. Just like every Polynesian dance, it always tells a story and in the story, there’s always passion and confidence within every move. Some dances are fast and upbeat and others are graceful and serene. Sometimes it can be both.

No matter what language it is, it’s always important to number one ‘Respect the culture’ and take part of it.

 

 

                          Mastermind Behind The Scenes

 Introduction

Peter Jackson is world – wide famous for many various ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ fans, known as one of the beloved family feature – films. What many people don’t know about him is the fact he started making short minute – long films at the age of eight then officially released ‘Bad Taste’ with the helping hand of New Zealand Film Commission.

The Early Life of Jackson

In 1961, Peter Jackson was born on October 31st in Pukerua Bay in New Zealand. 8 years later when he was just 8 years old, his parents had bought him a 8 – mm movie camera where he began to produce short films in his home. 26 years later, Peter Jackson and his peers worked on a comedy – horror film with a 16 – mm movie camera andNew Zealand Film Commission which is known as ‘Bad Taste’ released in 1987.

 

The Hall of Fame of Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson is known for his directing skills and organisation and was also the 1st person to produce 3 major films at the same time (Lord of the Rings trilogy). The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy’s first movie released in 2001, then the sequel in 2002 and the third movie in 2003 so all 3 of them were released a year after the last movie. Did you know that at the same time as ‘The Lord of the Rings trilogy’, the ‘King Kong’ 2005 film was released at the same year. Fun fact, ‘King Kong’ 2005 film was said to have earned $500M and 3 Oscars as a reward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Various Collection of Movies

Peter Jackson and his co – worker Fran Walsh had written the famous horror – crime film ‘Heavenly Creatures’ which was inspired by an actual incident that happened to a New Zealand girl. Not surprisingly, ‘Heavenly Creatures’ won an Academy Award in 1994 for best screen – play. ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy was the highest grossing film, which earned $2.9B, 17 Academy Awards and 30 nominations. Peter Jackson had engaged and participated in numerous charitable activities which he had won various times.

Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ Anniversary

How The Lord of The Rings Trilogy Changed Movies Forever

Changes in Movies – Lord of the Rings

Peter’s Inspiration Before Directing

We know that Peter Jackson’s movies are intriguing and awe – inspiring to every individual but the question is what inspired him?Well, when he was young, an article said the cliffs and caves in Pukerua Bay are one of his inspirations of the scenery in his movies like ‘The Hobbit’. Another one was his favourite television show of the famous American director and animator, Ray Harryhausen.

 

Life Career of Peter Jackson

When it comes to Peter Jackson and his films, he does an exceptionally, well presentation in scenery, a man of brilliant screen – play and his directing skills on television is famous world – wide. Another fun fact is, the ‘Bad Taste’ film was distributed in 12 different countries across the world after it was out. Did you know Peter Jackson never produced all of his films in one studio, he had to direct and film in many other studios before he found a backer in the New Line Theatre.

Peter Jackson – New Zealand Director

Sir Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson – Senses of Cinema

Conclusion

Peter Jackson started at a young and amateur level but improved over the past years. Because of his strong determination and passion to his love of directing films, he became one of the people whose name will be remembered.