Matariki - report

What is Matariki? Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or The Seven Sisters; and what is referred to as the traditional Maori New Year. When is the Maori New Year? The Maori new year is marked by the rise of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon. The pre-dawn rise of Matariki can be seen in the last few days of May every year and the new year is marked at the sighting of the next new moon which occurs during June. This next occurs on 5 June 2008. What does Matariki mean? Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God). Why is Matariki important? Traditionally, depending on the visibility of Matariki, the coming season's crop was thought to be determined. The brighter the stars indicated the warmer the season would be and thus a more productive crop. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future. Why do we celebrate Matariki today? Today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on. How is Matariki celebrated? Matariki is celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting of new trees and crops signalling new beginnings. Matariki was the optimum time for new harvests, and ceremonial offerings to the land-based gods Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure good crops for the coming year. It was also seen as a perfect time to learn about the land we live on and to remember whakapapa (ancestry) who have passed from this world to the next and the legacy they left behind. How long do celebrations last? Traditionally celebrations lasted up to 3 days after the new moon had risen following Matariki becoming visible Who celebrates Matariki? Anyone who wishes to participate

Myst

I hear waves crash against the humorously steep cliffs. And as I peek over the edge, I smell a salty sea breeze rushing around my face. I feel the rugged terrain tearing the soles of my shoes.

Girl And The Fox

I am ready to pounce at that fat chicken it looks like I can get it if I crawl under the fence.

Just then a girl walks outside.

I'm half way under the fence, before I notice she has a pitch fawk.

I think she's after me.

Then i notice she's just breaking up some hay for the chickens coop and feeding them.

Im so glad that she didn't see me.

But as I stumble away I step on a stick and it breaks loudly, the girl looks and I freeze.

Now I know she’s after me for sure.

I turn the corner in the cold dark forest only to find that she’s waiting for me.

She grabs me very tightly, then I bite her hand and she lets go of me.

But she's still after me and she's more furious than ever.

She trips up and hits her head.

She's unconscious.

I know that if she lays there with a cold head, she will freeze to death and I would not let her die.

So I went up to her and layed around her head to keep her warm.

When dawn comes I scatter leaving no trace.

Now im standing at the top of a hill watching her wake, she runs off back to her house.

That was quad-biking

Remember thrashing up the paddock, leaving permanent skid marks?

Remember doing very hi-rev take-offs?

That was quad biking.

Remember drifting all of the corners?

remember hitting the bumps with no fear?

That was quad biking.

Remember scaring the sheep in the paddock?

Remember giving it all it's got up the straight?

That was quad biking

kkn-Tattoos stop apple watch performing

Tattoos stop the apple watch from performing

The apple smart watch has just come out but for some users the watch is not working properly because of their tattoo

Some of the buyers of the companys first smartwatch have taken to social media to report issues with some of the devices features when on wrists with tattoos.
Dark ink is said to confuse some of the light sensors on the back of the watch. 

it blocks the light from the sensor which makes it difficult to get a good reading.
The problem is not the Apple Watch. Other smartwatches and wearable devices that use similar technology have struggled to perform on darker or tattooed skin.
Heart rate readings have shown big differences when used on tattooed and untattooed wrists.

To Max... A story from My Dogs point of view

Dear Max

Two days ago I went  and for a walk and I got lost, so I was sniffing around and I found a river.

There were ducks there, I chaced them they fled like mice being chaced by cats it was fun, but then they all landed on the water so I went for a swim that was fun.

But when I got out i realized that the river had taken me down far so now I was very lost then i met a man he saw me and picked me up he said your coming home with me, my sister she'll love you. 

I thought he should call the council,

When the man got home he showed me his sister after about an hour the mans sister checked her facebook for any notifications, and on the news feed was"little white dog missing" right away she commented i think i have your dog and posted a photo of me then you and mum said we'll get him tomorrow.

i sleeped well that night, when i woke up i new it was the day. 

From your dog WOOKIE              

welcome to 2015

this year i am in room 13 with miss leigh