The faculty celebrated Matariki with a function in Cafe 85 on 14 June. For Māori, the rising of a small but distinctive star cluster called Matariki (also known as Subaru, Pleiades), signifies the beginning of the Māori New Year. The event celebrated not only the role of Māori in science and learning but the significant influence our first culture has on activities in the faculty today.

It was lovely to see long-time faculty identity and friend Te Kaanga Skipper celebrated for her dedication to the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and cultural guidance over many years. Similarly, the Child Poverty Action Group was acknowledged and in the spirit of giving back, a kete for koha was passed around the event and by evening’s close the CPAG were more than $600 better off.

The arrival of Matariki perhaps brings special fortune for our Tumuaki, AP Papaarangi Reid’s whanau as the next evening her nephew, Winston Reid, lifted the spirits of many New Zealanders with his last minute goal in New Zealand’s opening football World Cup match.