Tauranga Waldorf School will light up beneath the stars with connection and aroha to celebrate Matariki this year.

On Thursday, July 2, when the sky has darkened at 5.30pm, the school will gather with the community, sharing in lantern light, kai and reflection as those who have come before us are honoured.

“Ever since the school has been in existence since 1989, we’ve had a lantern festival, which is like taking the last light of autumn into winter,” festival co-ordinator Louise Gawn said.

Now, the school unifies this tradition with Māori New Year.

“We are celebrating Matariki with our Te Huia Mārama a Matariki, which includes a spiral walk, signifying endings and beginnings.”

The theme of this year’s Māori New Year is ‘Matariki herenga waka,’ translating to – ‘Matariki is a mooring place for all canoes.’

“There’s such a beautiful fit between the festival and this year’s theme of Matariki,” board chair Mel Auld said.

“It’s about unity, inclusion, and shared heritage.”

“This really is a time for people to come together, remember those who have passed, celebrate them, look ahead and have this shared festival of aroha, reflection and connection.”

The students have been busy making their unique lanterns and will learn about the different stars of Matariki in their school’s play, including our region’s focus on Ururangi – the Matariki star connected to the winds and which rests at the highest point of the cluster.

“[The students] really get a feel for the characteristics of the different Matariki stars … and bring the thoughts of the stars into the festival,” Gawn said.

Amongst the reflective festivities, families and the community will be able to enjoy pumpkin and kumara soup, sausage sizzle and Auld’s personal favourite – apple drink.

“You get a cup of this warm spiced apple drink and you’re in the dark, it’s cold, you’re bumping into people you know and there’s this warm reverence to the crowd gathering.

“It’s a beautiful festival to be part of.”

‘Te Hui Marama a Matariki: Tauranga Waldorf School Matariki Light Festival’ is free on Thursday, July 2, from 5.30pm – 7.30pm at Tauranga Waldorf School, 364 Welcome Bay Road.

People are asked to bring cash for kai and koha donation for lanterns.