Libraries hold Matariki competition

Raglan and other Waikato District Libraries are holding a Matariki competition.

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Maaori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in late May or early June in the Eastern sky. For many Maaori, it signals the start of a new year.

Matariki, in te reo, means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki).

In ancient times, this was the end of harvest and was a time of plenty for Maaori, a time of sharing and celebration.

For many, Matariki is seen as a good time to reflect on personal goals: Where am I? Where do I want to be? What’s it going to take for me to get there?

Be in to win a $100 gift voucher and $300 of books for your school!

The Waikato District Libraries Matariki Competition is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase writing and art in our community. We’re pleased to accept entries in both te reo Maaori and English.

You just need to create a poem or design a bookmark to celebrate Matariki!

1. Poetry: Write an English or Te Reo poem about Matariki in any style, with a limit of 300 words.

2. Bookmark: Design a bookmark that reflects what Matariki means to you. 

The age categories are:

  • 5-9 years old
  • 10-15 years old
  • 16+ 

All you need to do is design a bookmark or write a poem about Matariki and you could win a $100 gift voucher. There will also be a supreme winner chosen and they will receive an additional $50 gift voucher and trophy.

This year there is also a fabulous prize where one lucky school will win $300 worth of books.

A $100 gift voucher will be awarded to the winner of each age group category. There will also be a supreme winner chosen and they will receive an additional $50 gift voucher and trophy.

For every student that enters, their school will receive one entry to a draw with a prize of $300 worth of books. All entries will go in the draw, with the winning school chosen randomly. 

The winning bookmarks will be printed and used in our libraries, while the winning poems will be displayed in our libraries and offices.

How to enter

1. Simply download the entry form found at the bottom of this text.

2. Complete the entry form, and your entry.

3. Email your entry (and entry form) to librarycomp@waidc.govt.nz or pop into the library and give it to one of our team in person.

Entries open Monday 14 June and close Friday 9 July 2021 at 5pm. Winners announced Friday 16 July 2021.

Matariki Online Competition Entry Form 2021 Download


Matariki Competition – All Details Download

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