This year, Matariki was celebrated with live music in the rest home lounge, followed by a 'Reach for the Stars' themed lunch. It was the opening moments that truly captured the spirit of the day.
Our resident Lillie began the celebration with a karakia, and another resident Father Rea shared his pepeha – reflecting the theme of Matariki - ‘celebrating the present.’ It symbolised the evolving friendship between kaiako (teacher) and ākonga (student), and as Lillie remarked, “People think I teach you, but you teach me.”
At 93 years old, Father Rea's commitment to learning Te Reo Māori moved everyone. It was a testament to learning connects and Lillie summed it up “Kua pahore ngā tōkena i a Pā Rea — You knocked the socks off them.”
We look forward to further celebrations during Māori Language Week and we encourage all residents, family and friends to attend the Te Reo classes run by our resident Lillie every Thursday and Friday at 10.30am on Owen Level 2 – all are welcome.
