AUT Matariki Gardens

These gardens were created as a celebration of Matariki - Māori New Year. Planting is, historically, a very important part of Māori culture, entailing both social and spiritual dimensions. The planting and harvesting of various plants were a collective activity, which encouraged involvement by all members to contribute to the success of the land. Food was acknowledged as coming from Atua (gods) and the tasks involved with gardening such as planting and harvesting were managed and maintained through Tikanga (customary practises), particularly the use of tapu. It was through this deep historical connection with the land that has brought about the significance of gardening to Māori people, and the Māra (garden) that was established outside the Whānau room at AUT North campus.