Sustainability theme of Matariki event

Matariki is a time of acknowledging the past and planning for the year ahead. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Maori New Year is the brightest time of year to be thinking about Maori cultural and environmental sustainability, Matariki Festival 09 organiser Rewi Spraggon believes.

The Nga Korero Tataki Sustainability Symposium starts at 7 tonight at Waitakere City Council Civic Centre, the first of three nights where cultural experts, academics, politicians and performers will examine how traditional knowledge fits into the modern world.

"A lot of people think sustainability is about hugging a tree or looking after the planet but it's actually more than that," Mr Spraggon said. "We're looking at how we can sustain our culture - how we can sustain every aspect of being Maori."

How cultural values such as manaakitanga (extending care to others) fit into sustainability thinking would also be explored.

Matariki, marking the rising of the Pleiades constellation, was traditionally a time for farewelling the departed, acknowledging the past year, giving thanks to the land, sea and earth, and planning for the coming year.

"It's a new year, it's a new vision and for us there's no better time to be talking about sustainability."

Speakers include Maori lawyer Annette Sykes, film-maker Te Arepa Kahi, gaming entrepreneur Kingi Gilbert and Tainui leader Tuku Morgan.

Musicians Tama Waipara, Andrea Tunks and Whirimako Black will also perform during the three-night symposium. Entry is by gold coin donation.