GAS MEETINGS, EVENTS and SOCIALS

MATARIKI CELEBRATIONS GO SKY HIGH!!!

On Wednesday June 24th, the day after New Moon, the star cluster known in New Zealand as Matariki will be rising just as dawn approaches and will herald in the Maori New Year. The Gisborne Astronomical Society (GAS), in conjunction with Kahukura Gallery, has a number of events planned to mark this special occasion. Matariki celebrations are becoming increasingly popular throughout the country with many people participating in a mixture of cultural and astronomical events.

Hangi packs are for sale - $15 gets you a pack, an Irish Coffee and a viewing at the early morning watch at Dive Tatapouri (see below). Phone Roimata to order a pack - 8680970 or 0276618547...

Some of the events organized are:

Early Morning Watch Wednesday 24th June, 5.30am, Dive Tatapouri, Tatapouri Beach. Join us as we watch Matariki rise out of the Pacific! Pita Turei (cultural advisor from Ngai Tai ki Tamaki) will talk about Maori star lore, Matariki and navigation by the stars. Pita also works as a consultant for Ngati Whatua in regards to cultural heritage within the Auckland area. He often speaks at the Star Dome Observatory in Auckland concerning Matariki and navigational travels. Members of the Gisborne Astronomical Society will have telescopes and lasers to show the public various constellations and gems in the night sky as well. Irish coffee for sale. Koha for entry. The event will still be held if it's cloudy or raining - as Pita can talk to us under cover and you can enjoy your hangi and Irish Coffee!!!

Matariki Lecture - On the evening of the dawn watch at 7:30pm (Wednesday 24th June) at the Cook Observatory on Kaiti Hill, Gisborne Astronomical Society president, John Drummond, will be talking about Matariki (AKA the Pleiades, Seven Sisters, Subaru) from an astronomical perspective. All welcome.

Matariki Films - Thursday 25th June, 6:00pm, Dome Room, Poverty Bay Club. Pita Turei (see above) will be showing two films about Matariki and also talking about this cultural and astronomical icon. Pita is an excellent speaker and well worth listening too. The bar will be open for drinks! $15 door admission...

Matariki Art Exhibition - Friday 26th June, 6pm. Kahukura Gallery, 34 Ormond Road. Ngaroimata Winiata will be opening her new Matariki exhibition. Come and see some excellent art work from local artists with a Matariki flavour!