Matariki Auckland Uni

Please help me raise vital funds for Médecins Sans Frontières

E rau rangatira mā tēnā koutou katoa i runga i ngā āhuatanga o tēnei wā.

Ka puta Matariki, ka rere a Whānui
Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!

Greetings colleagues, in this unique, special time. Matariki is rising and it is a sign of a new year.

The movement of the Matariki constellation of stars around the horizon provides important signals in the Māori calendar and throughout the Pacific. As Matariki sets below the horizon, around 31 May, Māori wisdom notes this signals the end of harvest as winter sets in. Hauhake tū ka tō Matariki. During this time we reconnect with friends and whānau, we give thanks, we remember those who have passed away and we share our blessings and good fortune. We strengthen our relationships and resolve.

When the Matariki constellation once again becomes visible above the horizon, we celebrate the new year, we make plans and we begin to plant and prepare for the seasons ahead. Matariki will be rising above the horizon between 29 June-6 July 2024 and we will be celebrating Matariki during this period.

For nearly two decades, the Faculty has observed Matariki. This year we gather again with a daytime celebration on our Grafton quad.

At our Matariki events, in the spirit of generosity, we feature a community initiative that is fund-raising and attendees give koha to support these groups. We will continue this invitation for koha this year to support MSF/Doctors Without Borders. In the spirit of Matariki, thank you in advance for your generosity.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international and independent medical humanitarian organisation delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. We offer assistance based on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation.

Médecins Sans Frontières sends medical teams and supplies around the world to provide urgent medical assistance to hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in over 70 countries each year.

Your help will ensure that the field staff can respond when and where they are needed.