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Matariki celebrated with events across London

Matariki is being celebrated on the other side of the world to the Pacific, with educational and performance events taking place in London. Storytelling workshops are being held at the National Maritime Museum in the afternoon Friday (local time) to hear about the cultural significance of the Matariki star cluster, with perspectives on traditions and practices being shared from not only Aotearoa, but also Kiribati, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Robbie Atatoa resided in Hamilton, but was from the Cook Island's second largest island of Mangaia. "I think it is important to share and learn not only about our taonga here but also knowledge around Matariki, how we see Matariki in our island… what Matariki meant in our community. "Of course, it's the revitalisation of our knowledge and our practices that goes with Matariki," Atatoa said. ADVERTISEMENT He was currently on a short residency at the museum, where he is carving traditional Mangaian toki (ceremonial adze). He has been linked to the museum since he identified the Mangaian origin of taonga on display, he said. Atatoa said there was a growing awareness of Matariki across the Pacific, because of efforts from Professor Rangi Matamua to see the event understood. "It's always been there and I believe across the Pacific but now it's becoming more… bringing out in the community to acknowledge our own practices and keep it going for the generations to come." Atatoa said on Mangaia, there's an event called takurua mataiti during Matariki, with 'taka rua' meaning feast and 'mataiti' meaning new year. "In that event it's an opportunity for our puna, or our village, to come together in celebration of the first harvest." He said the event is also a time to plan for the year ahead, as it is for Māori, with decisions on what crops to grow and if certain fishing stocks are healthy enough to be a sustainable food source in the year ahead. A sold-out event is being held Friday evening UK time at the Royal Observatory to mark Matariki. ADVERTISEMENT A karakia and introduction to the star cluster will be held by Jamie Tahana. On Saturday UK time, Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club are holding a festival at the Pacific Tavern in London, to mark the Māori New Year. Ngāti Rānana, Beats of Polynesia and On The Pā will perform.