Members of Hakatere Marae are preparing for community events to acknowledge Matariki.
The events are on this weekend prior to Matariki Day, which is June 28.
There will be a hauora/health day, and a marae sleep over with free food, movie and activities, both on June 22. An early morning Matariki viewing will be held on June 23 followed by breakfast.
The haurora will focus on tamariki and whanau.
There will be activities for children, giveaways of vegetable seeds and, thanks to Anzco, spot prizes of meat. There will be kai available, and transport to the marae was available for people who needed it.
The free noho marae/overnight marae stay is for families to celebrate Matariki. Bookings are essential and can be made by emailing hakatere.marae@gmail.com
It will begin at 6pm with a barbecue and a family friendly movie. Children will receive a pack with fruit, lollies and popcorn, and there will be a half time with ice cream.
Everyone is welcome to come in their onesie, bring a duvet, sleeping bag and their pillow, mattresses are provided.
NBS manager David Jones said the building society was proud to sponsor the event enabling it to be free.
On June 23 at the marae there will be a karakia from 6am. The Ashburton Astronomy Group will supervise viewing of the Matariki star cluster.
