Mānawatia a Matariki / happy Matariki!
The Terrace Medical Centre will be closed on Rāmere te 28 o Pipiri / Friday 28th June for Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki (Matariki Observance Day).
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After Hours Care
Take a look at our After Hours page for information on where you can access medical care outside of our hours.
If your concern is not an emergency, and you don't need to see a clinician in person, then Practice Plus is available: same-day virtual appointments are available with NZ-based clinicians from the comfort of your own home.
If your situation is an emergency, call 111 or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
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Matariki
The 2024 Matariki period actually lasts 29 June - 6 July; 28 June is only Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki / Matariki Observance Day, or the day that we have a public holiday in acknowledgment of Matariki.
What is Matariki?
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa explains Matariki:
"Māori believe that the appearance of Matariki in the morning sky in mid-winter marks the Māori New Year, or Te Mātahi o te Tau. It signals a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and plan for the future. It’s a time to spend with whānau and friends – to enjoy kai (food), waiata (song), tākaro (games) and haka."
Matariki refers to the first rising of the Matariki kāhui whetū (star cluster) in winter. There are 9 whetū (stars) in the Matariki cluster, with each whetū representing a different important aspect of Te Mātahi o te Tau.
What is the theme for this year's Matariki?
The Ministry for Culture & Heritage explains this year's theme:
"The theme for 2024 is Matariki heri kai and comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’...Building on last year’s theme “Matariki kāinga hokia” we encourage people to view Matariki as a time to journey home, spend time with whānau and friends, and enjoy feasting on fresh, locally sourced produce."
Where can I learn more about Matariki?
The following places (and others!) have great information and resources on Matariki:
Ministry for Culture & Heritage's Matariki website
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa's Matariki website
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Mānawatia a Matariki / happy Matariki!
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Thank you to the Tāmaki Mākaurau design company Extended Whānau, who designed the Mānawatia a Matariki tohu (the star design featured in the image) and who have gifted it to the people of Aotearoa to use in the celebration of Matariki.
