Heritage et AL

Matariki  is a very important time of the year, which is celebrated throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand. The heliacal rising of the Pleiades or the Matariki star cluster on the eastern horizon at dawn marks the start of the Māori New Year. This occurs during the colder months of the year, usually around May or June and soon after the shortest day. Ref: Frederick George Radcliffe, Thule by moonlight, Stewart Island, Tourist Series 1181, no date, Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 36-R1402 Only 7 of the 500 stars are visible in Aotearoa and remain in the sky until March, when they 'disappear' for two months, before rising again a few months later. The stars are seen at different times around the world and many other cultures attach their own significance and meaning to this most beautiful cluster of stars. For example, in Samoa, Matariki is known as Matali‘i and becomes visible in October each year.

Whilst we are in a 'Kiwi as' frame of mind, its time to turn our attention to baches out West. As the summer fades, there are fond memories of times spent by the ocean enjoying a simpler way of life and bunking down in a basic bach each night. Baches offer easy access to beautiful parts of coastal NZ and also remote inland parts of the country. Whether you are getting out and about amongst it all - taking in the sights, tramping and swimming or just plain relaxing, there is something for everyone. Initially starting off life as quite humble dwellings baches have been spruced up the years into far more luxurious affairs. Want to find out more about Kiwi baches? Check out the Te Ara website . Get some inspiration from these heritage photos drawn from Auckland Libraries collections and plan your next escape from the city! Time to catch up with the family: Ref: Photographer unknown, Family group on the steps of the bach in Happy Valley, Te Henga, c. 1930s, West Auckland...