To recognise the importance of one of Aotearoa’s significant celebration, Matariki, we came together to share kai with a yummy cooked breakfast and plant new plants.  We plant as a way of recognising new life.  Matariki is also a time to remember those of the past
Before planting we shared a garden mihi that acknowledged the mighty Wairau River that carries the water across the Wairau Plains, allowing us to water our plants.  We mihi to Tamanuitera, who shines on our land.  We mihi to the children of Tanemahuta – the plants, the birds, the insects and the people, and the Haumietiketike (uncultivated plants) and Rongomatane (cultivated plants). We mihi to our ancestors and tangata whenua of this place and to all of those who have worked here before us.  We acknowledge all of us here today, as we carry the knowledge of learning with us in our work.