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.

Pink Shirt Day is an official holiday where everyone in Aotearoa wear pink shirts to symbolise as unity and try to prevent bullying from happening. This week on Friday, the Kāhu students will be wearing pink shirts to support and prevent the situation of bullying and harassment.

So we know the reasons why we celebrate Pink Shirt Day but what I would like to know is who started this trend and how did happen? For questions like this, we need to trace back to 2007 in Canada.

‘SEA OF PINK’ Support

It started with 2 Nova Scotia students in grade 12 from Central Kings Rural High School located in the small community, Cambridge. Word spread when a boy who was starting grade 9 and apparently a new student was harassed for wearing a pink polo shirt on his first day. In the article, the students said that bullies threaten to beat him. Our heroes come into the story and they decided to take action. David Shepard and Travis Price bought 50 pink shirts including a few tank tops from a nearby discount shop for all of the students to wear. On the next day, everyone wore their pink shirts that the 2 boys bought for them, some even wore pink from head to toe. When the grade 9 boy arrived at the school, the students said it was a powerful moment for all of them, including the boy who might’ve been embarrassed by his fellow classmates’ support. Ever since that event happened, there was no word of the bullies or discussion about it. It did not just stop there because the US province show host Ellen DeGenres talked about her interest of the ‘sea of pink’, this encouraged other schools to start their own. David and Travis were overwhelmed just by being at a young, they were already famous across the globe.

Pink Shirt Day officially became a holiday in 2009 in Aotearoa and the campaign has been even stronger and bigger with their ongoing support.

There were once soldiers stoic and firm

For they had advanced techniques only few could learn,

Every soul fought and strode with pride

As we remember our brothers with honour who died.

 

At very young age, families lost their fathers and sons

We mourn, we sing in their behalf for they will always be the number ones,

They were brave knights who travelled afar in the ever-going war

Who taught our generation about the harsh reality and all so much more.

 

We are forever thankful for those who fought and sacrifice

As a battle never goes without a price,

Whether we are somber, we should all know

That the men who served our country and it’s people will always be our heroes.

 

 

 

Polyfest is a mixed festival where multiple of traditions and nationalities come and perform, usually High Schools are the ones to perform on stage, maybe because they’re much older and have more experience with big audiences.  This happens every year to show pride in the diverse languages and nations, to bring families and schools together in unity. It’s usually 4 days long and there’s six stages to compete – Cook Islands, Māori, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Diversity stage.

That’s how it is now but how was it then and how did become an offical occasion in Auckland?

In 1976, was the birth of the famous Pacific festival with the students and staff members, they suggested that the purpose of the event was to demonstrate the various cultural identities in pride so they could bring families and other schools together. The first Polyfest competition was held at Hillary College instead of a venue because it was only the start of the special event. Though only 4 schools participated and held at a small place, it was well supported by the students, school staff, parents and wider community and it was a huge success too.

The festival was still continuing over the past years and grew turning into different responsibilities that moved between schools. It was so big and popular, they needed to host it somewhere it can be more manageable so they decided to move it to a large venue in 1996. Manukau Sport’s Bowl has been the main home to the Polyfest, containing over 100,000 visitors every year over the past years, including with food stalls, community helpers, Pacific arts and culture. It was growing with number of students, taking part of the diverse range of traditional performances and speeches.

The past years, various of schools have been challenging at the Manukau Sport’s Bowl and they have never let down coming visitors, unfortunately they have cancelled the Polyfest 2 times, one in 2019 due a tragic event in Christchurch and again 2020 because of the Covid – 19 pandemic. In 2022, it was recorded livestream online, probably due to the current pandemic.

Although there were some errors, they stayed persistent to resume the festival and bring the passion and pride to everyone.

(Credits to ASB Polyfest)

 

Ball of light, just floating about

There’s no logic to this, no doubt,

All there is to this ball of light was it’s distinctive rays

“It shined bright as the sun”, that’s one way you could say.

 

One would say about the light is similar to the fish

An entity who swims freely around the damp forest, Swish. Swish. Swish.

This being is the terror of the forest floors

A hunter that catches it’s victims, feeling no remorse.

 

Big as a third of the trees but quiet as a mouse

It would creep up behind you and you’ll be served right to it’s mouth,

Apart from it’s size, the most intriguing was it’s eyes,

The tension is pressuring and chances are high but something about them, makes you wonder ‘What secrets lies’.

 

(Credits to Once upon a picture)

In Week 5, we were given an assignment to create a Keynote slide “All About Me”. I’ve used Keynote before last year so it was a little familiar to me but there was one thing I didn’t know and that was shaping the silhouette. It seemed easy at first but once you actually do it, it gets a little tricky.

When I was shaping the silhouette, I had to do 2 sets of keynote slides before I got the right shape. After I thought it was over, I had another problem changing the background colour, again I had to do 2 tries until I got the right colour for my silhouette.

Afterwards, I tried changing the shapes in the background, obviously it didn’t work so well so I left it as it for now. Then I went straight to adding images in silhouette, it took me I think about half a block to finish the digital art but it was good use of time. While I was doing it, I took 2 or 3 looks on the background and I thought ‘Hey, this is actually a bit like me – a bit of baking, a bit of music, science and sports’ so I left it as it is, just changed the opacity and made a darker ocean blue.

Believe or not, when I was close to finishing up, I accidentally pressed the delete button and the silhouette was gone. Of course I was in a panic, I only had a few minutes and not enough time to restart, after trying to find the reverse button, I was about to give up but I then saw a similar silhouette so I copied it and pasted on my slide and it was fixed.

I had a lot of problems but I was able to solve them and just in time.

 

When I came back to school, it has been feeling quite the same as last year besides new students and information.

I have learnt about the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year (also known as “The Year of the Dragon”) and how to make lanterns for the Lunar celebration. We also learned about the other zodiac signs – ‘The Rabbit’, ‘The Snake’, The Rat’ etc.

I have applied for Foodtastic  because I want to learn how to make lunches (the food on the menu at Kakapo Cafe) and drinks – fruit and berry smoothies. I’ve also applied for 2 other jobs, Triage and Eco Warrior.

I’ve applied for Eco Warrior because I’ve learned and done pest control with Mr VT and planted trees at Totara Park and removed the weeds at the green slides, including collecting trash around the local houses last year.

Lastly I’ve applied for Triage because I’m interested about, I’ve learned a little bit about wounds.  I’ve learned from my mum from the other day last year when I tripped and scraped my knee against the stairs. I told her what happened and she told what to do which was:

1. Before you go to have a shower, make sure you take off the plaster or bandage of the area that is wounded and throw in the bin. Then after you finish taking a shower, put on a clean plaster or bandage.
2. Make sure you take some capsules in the morning, around the afternoon and at the evening. It’s also best to check in with your doctor about it to make sure it doesn’t get infected.(I think it’s only for big wounds – skin cuts, itchy bites, wounded scars etc.)

So this year hasn’t been much chaos or I could be wrong some people but I have learned some useful tips and information for this year and hope we will all have a good term.

First of all, Rotorua is a breathtaking place with unreal sceneries, that you won’t believe will come to exist.

Because this is still in debate, a few will disagree with this topic, but I assure you that Rotorua is the better holiday place to go.

Firstly, to start off with, research has shown that the average daily cost of Taupo is $112 per person, including accommodation,(sometimes doubling the occupancy in the room when the traveller is sharing the room)  food, transportation and entertainment. Whereas the average daily cost in Rotorua per person is $92 which is not really expensive and doesn’t use a lot of cash or credit card.

Secondly, Data from “smh.com.au” indicates that though Taupo has a beautiful lake and outdoor activities, Rotorua has over 13 lakes surrounding the whole area , it’s less windy due to the warm climate, making the area have a variety of geothermal sightings. When you first visit Rotorua, your nose picks up the smell of sulphur. Now I know when we smell sulphur, we normally smell it from the rain and it’s not a pleasant one to inhale. Well in Rotorua, it’s normal because it’s a part of the attraction by it’s fascination and unique feature.(once you get used to it) Did you know that New Zealand is known in some parts of the world as “the shaky isles” due to the underground hot springs in Rotorua and also because New Zealand sits on the edge of the Rim of Fire. Its geothermal system is a long – lived product from the volcanism that came in the last centuries and thousands of years in the area.

 You even can find fresh water at the underground geysers in Rotorua. They are a big attraction of the famous volcano “Rotorua Caldera”  that only erupts once 280,000 years ago and never again or at least of how we predict.

Finally, last but not least  we know every region from landmarks to cities to neighbourhoods all the way back to the most well – known places, New Zealand has a lot of history and Rotorua one of them. Whakarewarewa is known as “the living Māori Village”. On the edge of Rot

orua’s township, it offers an experience of how Māori would’ve lived. When you arrive, you find cultural performances twice daily, a breath-taking tour of the traditional Māori village (which is usually open to public from 8:30 – 5:00 daily) , exhibits of handmade artefacts, singing-along with beautiful Waiata and being served  cooked hangi( from between noon and 2:00 pm daily) where the meat and vegetables is cooked

 

on a bed of hot stones in pit.  It’s a magical place to be, not just for one but for all who come and acknowledge Māori culture. Magical yet real enough to exist. From the geothermal views to the unreal underground hot springs, for people who are descendants of a line of ancestral Māori able to travel back in time to where Māori culture comes to life.

In the world nowadays, people don’t know much about the past, not even some iwi. Fortunately, in Rotorua you’re able to have a variety of opportunities to learn and be a indigenous Māori.