Focus of the Calendar of Events

6.1 Maori Calendar

According to their lunar calendar, Matariki, which is a celebration of the ending of a year and the coming for the new year, is held in either late May or in June. Pipiri is the Maori name for June and this year, they celebrated their new year on 4 June. This should be considered the focus of the Maori calendar of events because Matariki signifies growth and the people regard this as a time for change, preparation and action. The people would usually prepare for the coming year just by looking at the stars, i.e. clear, bright stars signaled warm and productive seasons. Matariki also has a cultural significance as it is a time where people got together and learnt about their history, family and bones (Christchurch City Libraries, n.d.). This is when the people would also given respect and appreciate their Papatuanuku (Mother Earth). In appendix 1, it shows the  brochure of a Maori Matariki event. 

6.2 New Zealand Calendar

After looking at New Zealand’s entire calendar of events, the focus seems to be on ANZAC Day which falls on 25 April every year. This day marks the day when Allied soldiers had landed on  the Gallipoli peninsular in the hopes of claiming a Turkish territory which was part of the Germany’s ally in World War I. New Zealand and Australia had combined their forces and fought as part of the ANZAC in the campaign but the Allies plan had failed because of the unexpectedly strong resistance from the Turkish territory. Despite it being a costly failure because of the terrible loss of life on both sides, the soldiers from New Zealand had established an enduring bond with the Australians that they had fought alongside with. Because of the fighting, mutual respect was earned and formed the core for the close and strong ties of the 2 countries that remains till today.