The Bayside Blog
What's Happening at Bayside
By
Caroline Bernard
Celebrating Matariki 2023, the Māori New Year
Matariki holds deep significance in Te Ao Māori, symbolising the beginning of a new year and a time to reflect on the past, cherish the present, and look forward to the future.
On the tranquil morning of Saturday, 15th July, our outrigger canoe club embarked on a truly special journey to celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year. Gathered at our Bayside Raby Bay compound, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation as we prepared to launch our canoes.
Matariki, known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters in ancient Greek mythology, takes on various names across different cultures. In Hawaiian, it is called Makali’i, meaning ‘eyes of royalty,’ while in Japan, it is known as Subaru, meaning ‘gathered together.’
As the sun emerged on the horizon, casting its gentle glow over the bay, we gathered to pay a celestial tribute to Matariki. Mark, Maryann Talia Pau’s husband, enriched the moment with soulful notes from the yidaki (didgeridoo). The sound of this ancient instrument, coupled with the natural beauty surrounding us, created a powerful and spiritual atmosphere. Each stroke of the paddle represented more than just propulsion through the water; it was a celebration of life, a shared experience of honoring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
The significance of this occasion extended beyond reflection; it was also a time of gratitude. We embraced the present with open hearts, recognising the blessings and the people who enrich our lives. The beauty of Matariki lies not only in its cultural richness but also in its ability to bring our community together in a profound and meaningful way. It inspires us to set our sights on new horizons, embrace new challenges, and grow stronger as a united outrigger canoe club.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated
in the Matariki paddle, as well as those who supported and contributed to the event. Together, we have honored the past, embraced the present, and envisioned a promising future for our outrigger canoe club.
Let Matariki be a reminder that our club is not merely a collection of paddlers;
it is a family, and together we stand strong.
Matariki, known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters in ancient Greek mythology, takes on various names across different cultures. In Hawaiian, it is called Makali’i, meaning ‘eyes of royalty,’ while in Japan, it is known as Subaru, meaning ‘gathered together.’
As the sun emerged on the horizon, casting its gentle glow over the bay, we gathered to pay a celestial tribute to Matariki. Mark, Maryann Talia Pau’s husband, enriched the moment with soulful notes from the yidaki (didgeridoo). The sound of this ancient instrument, coupled with the natural beauty surrounding us, created a powerful and spiritual atmosphere. Each stroke of the paddle represented more than just propulsion through the water; it was a celebration of life, a shared experience of honoring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
The significance of this occasion extended beyond reflection; it was also a time of gratitude. We embraced the present with open hearts, recognising the blessings and the people who enrich our lives. The beauty of Matariki lies not only in its cultural richness but also in its ability to bring our community together in a profound and meaningful way. It inspires us to set our sights on new horizons, embrace new challenges, and grow stronger as a united outrigger canoe club.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated
in the Matariki paddle, as well as those who supported and contributed to the event. Together, we have honored the past, embraced the present, and envisioned a promising future for our outrigger canoe club.
Let Matariki be a reminder that our club is not merely a collection of paddlers;
it is a family, and together we stand strong.
"As I listened to the Yidaki sound from the canoe on our Matariki morning, the collective pain of sadness and mourning hit me hard. Yes I have lost but
as I listened and looked around at the other canoes it also gave me hope and Purpose to keep moving forward. Matariki holds deep Cultural and spiritual significance for us and is a time for reflection, remembrance and new beginnings". Henry Poutu – Open Mens Coach
as I listened and looked around at the other canoes it also gave me hope and Purpose to keep moving forward. Matariki holds deep Cultural and spiritual significance for us and is a time for reflection, remembrance and new beginnings". Henry Poutu – Open Mens Coach
ABOUT
Bayside Outrigger Canoe Club (Bayside OCC) is a great sporting club based in the Redland Bay, paddling the beautiful waters of Raby Bay, Cleveland. Our aim is to create a family orientated club, focused on fun, fitness, pride and respect.
