The Matatū Women’s Super Rugby team has embarked on an inspiring journey through Māori astronomy at the Dark Sky Project.
Te Waipounamu based Women’s Super Rugby team, Matatū, has deepened their connection to Te Manahuna (Mackenzie District), with an inspiring visit to leading astrotourism destination, Dark Sky Project.
Dark Sky Project General Manager Victoria Campbell said during their visit, players and coaching staff connected with the region and the cultural narratives associated with their name.
“We were excited to welcome Matatū to Dark Sky Project as they explored tātai aroraki (Māori astronomy) through our interactive experiences,” she said.
“It’s particularly significant that the team visited the Dark Sky Project at Lake Takapō, given the origins of their name and our proximity to Aoraki and Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps).”
The name Matatū is synonymous with Ngāi Tahu ancestor Aoraki and was gifted to the team by North Canterbury hapū, Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
“Matatū is a powerful name that represents the team’s strength, resilience and aspiration both on and off the field. It reflects their commitment to face challenges and achieve success, which is echoed in their haka, “Tēnei te ruru,” said Victoria Campbell.
Located on the Takapō lakefront in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, Dark Sky Project is the largest gold-standard International Dark Sky Reserve in the world.
Dark Sky Project is a joint venture between Ngāi Tahu Tourism and co-founders Graeme Murray and Hide Ozawa. Featuring a state-of-the-art multimedia daytime astronomy experience, an impressive 125-year-old Brashear telescope, and many other astronomical offerings, the centre is proudly a home for astronomy and stargazing in the region.
Sarah Munro, Matatū General Manager, said the Dark Sky Project helped Matatū to explore the significance of Māori astronomy and its role in shaping cultural identity and heritage.
“Our Matatūtanga (team values) focus on connection and unity, and our visit to Dark Sky Project reinforced the importance of representing the whole South Island and that we are privileged to be connected to this beautiful whenua and its rich history.”
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