Matariki Ball Queenstown 2023
A most fabulous Evening!
Thank you to Each of our wonderful guests,
our celebrity guest and MC Daniel Faitaua,
Kaumatua Darren Rewi
Dr Jonathon Squire, University of Otago, Dept. Physics
the Remarkables Primary School Kapa Haka Group
Simon Hayes, Auctioneer Extraordinaire
Generous Sponsors (as below),
LASocial,
The Millennium Hotel
Photos courtesy of Allied Press
Mr Ahmad Taha – A video that was played at the Matariki Ball 2023
OUR FABULOUS MATARIKI BALL MENU 2023!
Matariki is a uniquely New Zealand celebration to mark the beginning of a new year in the Māori calendar. Matariki stars appear in the sky during the winter solstice and each of the nine stars represents different qualities such as strength, unity, and growth.
Matariki represents a time of renewal, reflection, and
gathering. It is a time to come together to share stories, songs, and food, as
well as to reflect on the past and plan for the future. It is also a time to
give thanks for the blessings of the previous year and to honour those who have passed on. One of the significant customs is the lighting of bonfires
known as ‘Matariki rua’ or ‘Matariki tauranga waka’. The bonfires are meant to
honour the ancestors and provide a warm welcome to Matariki’s stars as they
rise above the horizon.
The NZBTT draws upon this celebration with our community. We come together to reflect, share the
bountiful kai of Otago, and to bring hope for the future.