Media The Dominion Post - Wellington Maori Style, Welcome to Matariki compiled by Kylie Walker - 3 June 2004 The 'In Style' feature articles run every Thursday in the 'Feast' section. Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa... Welcome to the Matariki, the Maori New Year. And what a time it should be... Maori have a new self-named political party, thanks to former labour MP Trainia Turia, their own TV channel and even a te reo version of Dr Seuss' classic 'The Cat In the Hat'. Wellington has its own hangi restaurant, Kai In the Bay. Unlike the Western world's calendar-based parties and resolutions, Maori celebrate from the appearance of the Matariki stars, usually at the end of May, to late June. The cluster is visible in the pre-dawn sky after a full moon, and if clear and bright signifies a warm and productive year ahead. Hazy to see and a cold winter awaits. Festivities are held at different times depending on each tribe but Te Papa's exhibition on the subject will run throughout the month. An old Maori proverb says: "Matariki hunga nui" the Maori New Year has many admirers Join the throng with these contemporary taonga.
Rua Protect your image with a shell warrior collar. Bash www.aotearoa.co.nz into your keyboard to buy online in black or white. The website promotes Pacific artists, such as Beez, the maker of these necklaces. On its virtual shelves are flax kete, carvings of bone, wood and shell, glass koru, ceramics and jewellery.
	Iwa Shoulder your belongings with a bright-red pikau (backpack) by Flaxworks. The mother and daughter team sell these and more traditional kete online through www.aotearoa.co.nz
© Dominion Post The 'In Style' feature articles run every Thursday in the 'Feast' section.