Transcript
This year's event followed on from the success of last year's carvers' symposium where 10 mana whenua and mataawaka artists created a star compass from Oamaru stone.
According to the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), this week continues off the moon phase of Omauri - a time to slow down and unwind.
To navigate the Pacific on their way to Aotearoa, Māori have relied on lunar calendars to predict the cycles of the natural environment.
For Tesaga Puafuti of Tuvalu, says was glad she attended the symposium as she got to learn more about Matariki and other Pacific cultures.
"How to create something from my island and I have more understanding other people, other cultures' weaving. My one is Raumati, in Māori the summer, represents good weather, trees, flowers and the sea."
The weavers and artists created sculptures and art works from harakeke or flax as well as other mediums.
Ms Puafuti says although the Tuvaluan and Māori cultures are different, mat weaving is something they have in common.
"The Māori they have their own. We have our own materials like fans, mat. The mat is the same - how you create it. I learned a lot and I need more. Someone can teach us their handicraft. Like me too I can share what I know from my island."
For Fesaitu Vaurasi, of Rotuma, it had been 25 years since she last wove anything.
But she said she could not turn down the opportunity to create a Rotuman mat for Matariki.
"Though the languages are different, I was so proud to learn that we have a lot in common - Māori and Rotumans. Rotumans have seven stars in their men's tefui (leis) to mark the seven districts of the island - the seven chiefs of the island."
Ms Vaurasi says she looks forward to more of these events where Pacific islanders can learn and understand other cultures especially Maori.
Neke Tekena, of the Cook Islands agrees but adds that in order to keep the cultures alive, more of these symposiums must be held.
"I am here to celebrate Matariki and honour our Maori whanau. And I'm weaving the moon and the stars for the celebrations."
Ms Tekena says Māori and Pacific islanders also need to encourage and inspire their young people to participate in these events.
Ole Maiava from Auckland's Panuku Development Agency says Te Mata o Rehua celebrations recognise that various iwi celebrate their New
Year by the setting of the star Rehua (Antares) and the rising of Puanga (Rigel).
Auckland's Matariki festival runs until 14 July.
