This year’s Matariki event programme in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay area embraces the themes of Waitī and Waitā.

Waitī, recognised as the fifth star in the Matariki star cluster, is connected to freshwater: springs, streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and the plants and animals that live in freshwater. Waitī is comprised of two words wai (water) and tī which means sweet. Waitī, is considered a female body and the māhanga (twin) of Waitā.

Waitā, the sixth star of the Matariki cluster is associated with saltwater, the ocean and marine conditions. It represents the many types of food gathered from the sea. Waitā is comprised of two words, wai (water) and tā (salt). Waitā is considered a male entity and sits below his twin, Waitī.

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Both Waitī and Waitā also represent the health of their respective waters; how we are impacted by the state of fresh and saltwater environments and how we depend on their waters for our own livelihoods and wellbeing.