Matariki is the Māori New Year celebrating the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster, which is visible in the early morning sky, near the horizon, west of Orion's Belt. It is a time for spiritual reflection, cultural renewal, and community gatherings in New Zealand. Families share stories, feasts, and traditions, honoring ancestors and welcoming the new agricultural year with hope and gratitude.
Rotorua's Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival on June 27 and June 28 at the lake front, along with an expanded Night Market and booths for children, also featured 160 drones programmed to form images in the sky, sharing the story of how Matariki is connected to the taiao (our environment).
We were lucky enough to be invited by the Mylers to attend the Te Puia children's day Matariki celebration. The highlight was the dancing with poi, singing, and haka, the war dance.
Sunday night we had our expanded Family Home Evening, held at the nearby AirBnb to accommodate the larger group we now have. It was a beautiful evening with our friends.
Mere Wharamate-Leathers gave Elder Rooks this pounamu Toki, the Adze, indicative of strength and courage. This is an honor, since it belonged to Mere's husband, and is a gift of great significance.
Belinda was able to come, and spent the evening getting to know the Carters, who stayed the weekend with us and will be replacing us in our calling as senior missionaries assigned to the Rotorua Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We told them they are very lucky, since this place is very special to us
The food was plentiful and good.
This lovely sister, Mere, who lives down Tarewa Road, told us how she came back to church after seeing us out talking our usual walks. After the third time seeing us, she came to church again and is now an excellent teacher for the Relief Society
We took the Carters on a walk so they could see the lake front and the downtown district, and the Visitor's Center.
Elder Carter and Elder Rooks are in front of the St. Faith Anglican Church in Ohinemutu
A workman was working inside the chapel, so we slipped inside to take pictures, since it has always been closed before. The inside is quite beautiful, with Māori carvings and stained glass.
Elder Rooks at the doorway
The lake was misty over Mokoia Island, with the usual black swans along the shore
We had Robbie and Wiki over for lunch, so they could meet the Carters, who will be giving temple preparation lessons to Wiki. We will miss these two! They have been great friends to us.
We attended several baptisms, including one for Dante
Also three members of the Smith family, with Share Kai afterward
We visited Joy, a baptized member, with Sister Middledorf and Sister Sorensen. She was a bus driver in Auckland for many years, which makes her a much braver woman than I will ever be.
Our district missionaries were happily able to go to the Hamilton Temple this week for endowment sessions.
Belinda came for more Family History, and Alleen felt inspired to come. She will be able to help Belinda with her Scottish family history, something I have been worried about when I am gone. They hit it off and had a great time together.
It was a healing day for all of us.
Belinda gave me this adorable needle felted pixie sitting near forest mushrooms on a little plate. I will treasure it always.
Matariki dawned clear and bright with a gathering of Rotoruans at the lakeside for the opening ceremonies, to see the star cluster rising.
Later in the evening, the 160 drones put on a light show for hundreds of amazed spectators
We were invited to the Matariki Fun Day with the Mylers, who consider us their New Zealand grandparents
There were several stick games, including this one where you dropped your stick and had to run and pick up the stick of the person standing next to you, amid much laughter
Rebekah Myler again looking good wearing a temporary moko. When asked if I wanted one, I had to admit it probably wouldn't be appropriate for a senior missionary
I did join in on the poi lessons. Here, little girls are learning from Auntie Mere. The mom on the right is mother to the little princess wearing the veil and sparkly dress.
For the main event, a Maori warrior is welcoming people to the marae in the pōwhiri ceremony, meant not only to welcome, but perhaps intimidate or amuse. The person being welcomed must keep a poker face, which can be difficult
The dancers of Te Puia performing a song while throwing sticks
On Saturday Belinda was finally baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is a special spirit and we will miss her!
We were also able to witness the marriage of our friend Karla to her fiancé Fasene. They are certainly in love with each other. It has been a pleasure for me all week to be privileged to play the piano for the baptisms and for the marriage certificate signing for Karla.
Karla and Fasene were greeted when they came out of the chapel by relatives performing the haka
Karla and Fasene's wedding haka. Karla's son is in the middle wearing a vest, while Fasene's sister is in the green dress on the right.
We will be flying out of Auckland in a few days' time. It will be hard to say goodbye to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud. I can't believe our year as senior missionaries is coming to an end.
