Free tai chi and qigong for Matariki on the Kauri Point Reserve, Wattle Downs, Manurewa
All ages and abilities welcome for FREE tai chi and qigong in the park for the official Matariki holiday.
When: Friday 20 June 2025, 11 – 11.45am
Where: Kauri Point Reserve in Wattle Downs, Manurewa, which is at the end of a street called “Moor Park”. Refer to map: https://goo.gl/maps/MZHeqttC5rBeL6mu9
This is an outdoor event so we need fine weather.
If we have to cancel: If the weather doesn’t co-operate or if the ground is too wet, please look for the cancellation notice by 9am on 20 June on the Kia Ora Tai Chi facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi/
For more information, get in touch with the organiser (Jocelyn) through the Contact Us page on this website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
If the event goes ahead, wrap up warm, pop on a beanie and join in.
Together, we will flow through the calming and harmonising Tai Chi for Strength and Balance followed by the beautiful Māori Qigong called “Hikitia te Hā” (uplifting breathing), which Jocelyn will teach in both Te Reo as well as English.
Matariki (also known as the Pleiades) is a star cluster that heralds the start of the Māori New Year (in mid-winter in Aotearoa/New Zealand). It is a time to focus on mindfulness, reflection, thankfulness, well-being and health.
The Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades)
The three key principles of Matariki are:
- Matariki Hunga Nui. Remembrance. Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
- Matariki Ahunga Nui. Celebrating the Present. Gathering together to give thanks for what we have.
- Matariki Manako Nui. Looking to the Future. Looking forward to the promise of a new year.
The 2025 theme is “Matariki mā Puanga”, which is all about inclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating Matariki together.
More about the theme of Matariki mā Puanga
This phrase means Matariki (the Pleiades) AND Puanga (Rigel), and linking these words together acknowledges the relationship between these stars. Both Matariki and Puanga rise in the eastern sky before sunrise during the winter period. However, due to their geographical location, the Matariki star cluster is not visible at that time to all iwi (Māori tribes) and regions of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Instead, they look to the bright star called Puanga as the harbinger of the New Year.
The phrase Matariki mā Puanga is a reminder that regardless of our different backgrounds, origins, and practices, we use this celebration to come together and share the many unique elements that shape our identity.
For more information, get in touch with Jocelyn through the Contact Us page on this website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Discover more about Matariki: https://www.matariki.com/about
Find more Matariki events: https://www.matariki.com/events