MatarikiIt’s a frosty evening in Christchurch tonight but somehow the sound of Cook Island drummers beating out a welcome as I pulled up to Nga Hau e Wha marae made the temperature seem a few degrees warmer.

The programme of Matariki events on offer this week in the evenings (Tuesday and Thursday) might not all have the effect of making you feel wistful for summer but there’s definitely something here for everyone.  I just gave a session on how to use library resources to research whakapapa to a small but appreciative audience.  If you’re worried you missed out then fear not, I’ll be back here on Thursday night dispensing advice (and tucking into the pumpkin soup that I keep being offered).

There’s heaps here for families including the chance to sign up for a library card, star gaze, and listen to some great Polynesian sounds, in fact I’m off right now to check out the Island Summer Orchestra.

For more information on this week’s evening events at Nga Hau e Wha check out the online programme.