Matariki Soup Kitchen

Matariki is the rising of the Pleiades star cluster, signalling the new year in the Maori lunar calendar. It’s a time to gather with whānau, reflect on the year that was and plan for the year ahead. Iwi celebrate at different times, some when the cluster is first visible, while others after the full moon rises or the beginning of the new moon phase. For some Iwi the star cluster is made up of seven stars, and others have nine.

Every year Te Oro and the Glen Innes Business Association host Te Ara Rama Matariki Light Trail to celebrate Matariki. This year it ran from the 2nd until the 10th of July, with The HEART Movement serving free soup on the first 5 nights of the light trail. Our incredible change agents volunteered their time to come in on different nights and serve soup or donate soup to keep our community warm on the cold winter nights before the Matariki Night Markets started.

The soup kitchen is an amazing opportunity to connect with our Tāmaki community, and nothing helps build relationships better than kai. Hearing feedback directly from our community on what their needs are and how HEART can better serve is the perfect opportunity is the perfect way for us to celebrate Matariki. Let’s make this year a good one!