Matariki: Dunedin

Time

  • 5:00 pm

Date

  • 18/06/2025

Organiser

  • VOYCE

Location

  • VOYCE Dunedin Office

On the evening of Wednesday 18 June, the VOYCE – Whakarongo Mai Ōtepoti office opened its doors to care-experienced rangatahi and their caregivers for a special night of whakawhanaungatanga, reflection, and celebration in honour of Matariki.

The event brought together eight care-experienced young people, four caregivers, and two VOYCE kaimahi, Amelia and Zoe. This was an intimate and heartwarming gathering – organised and run solely by VOYCE, but shaped by the rangatahi who attended.

The evening kicked off with introductions led by one of the young people, who naturally stepped into a tuakana role, helping others settle in and initiating a lively game of Hi Ika (Matariki Go Fish). It was beautiful to see tuakana teina in action, and the way everyone came together through shared laughter and play set a welcoming tone for the night.

As the games wound down, the creative energy took over. Rangatahi decorated whetū (stars), each one a personal expression of love, remembrance, or hope. These were then either added to our growing Matariki banner – an evolving piece of collective art – or taken home to be gifted to loved ones. The activity created space for quiet reflection, connection, and aroha.

We gathered for a shared meal of fish and chips, enjoying each other’s company over a classic and comforting kai. After dinner, the group headed out to the carpark with warm clothes and hopeful eyes, looking skyward to try and spot Matariki. While the stars didn’t make an appearance that night, the group still had a great time under the open sky—sharing stories, laughs, and a bit of shivering in the cold (makariri!).

Before heading home, everyone had the chance to look through our kākahu koha—a collection of donated clothing and items. Many rangatahi picked out pieces to take home, and it was lovely to see their excitement and appreciation.

In a particularly touching moment, one young person asked if they could stay the night at the VOYCE office, saying they weren’t quite ready to leave yet. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of safe, welcoming spaces where rangatahi feel seen, heard, and truly at home.

This Matariki celebration was a small but deeply meaningful evening, centred on community, care, and connection. We’re so grateful to the rangatahi and caregivers who joined us, and we look forward to continuing to honour Matariki together in years to come.

Promise Three: Learning

Education as a gateway to dreams, rangatahi are supported to achieve aspirations.

Promise One: Care

Every tamaiti receives nurturing, protection, and provision, as any good parent would offer.

Promise Five: Voice

Tamariki and rangatahi are involved in decisions that affect them, and their voices are honoured.

Promise Four: Wellbeing

Timely, accessible, and culturally conscious health and mental health services are available to all taiohi.

Promise Two: Stability

Young people in care experience consistency, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Whānau care is where a child is being raised by someone in their whānau or extended family. Often it means a child living with their grandparents – but could also be another family member like an aunt, uncle or older sibling. Whāngai is the traditional Māori practice of whānau care.