Introduced as an official public holiday in 2022, this year we officially celebrate Matariki on Friday 14 July.

But what are we celebrating?  Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars.  It signals the start of the New Year and is a time for reflection, celebration, and preparation.  Remembering those that we have lost, celebrating our thanks for what we have, and looking forward to the promise of a new year.

This year’s theme is Matariki Kāinga Hokia (Matariki calls you home).  We are encouraged to return to our whanau and our home – wherever and whoever that might be.  Celebrate, feast, and be with whānau and friends.

For many of us, we are well underway with winter.  White snow-covered mountains and warm blazing fires are all reminders that we are amid the shortest and coldest days of the year.  Winter is a great time to take a warrant of fitness check for your health and well-being.

Here are some top tips for winter well-being for you and your whanau

1. Flu jab – talk to your nurse or doctor about the flu jab and your eligibility for this
2. Check-up – when did you last go to the doctor and have a once-over – this is also a good time to make sure you are up to date with any screenings you may be eligible for (Cervical screening, bowel screening, mammogram)
3. Make sure you try to exercise daily – dress up warmly and head outside for a walk or bike, turn the music on a dance at home, or try some online exercise activity - such as yoga, Pilates, or Zumba!
4. Look after your mental well-being - by doing something you enjoy. This could be exercise, gardening, volunteering for an organisation, reading a book, or catching up with friends.
5. Social connection – make a habit of getting together with friends/whānau – this may be a regular coffee date, a club event, or just a phone call with an old friend.
6. Cook some great winter-warming meals, and dust off the crockpot for these yummy recipes ideas from:

• https://lovefoodnourish.com/gluten-free-dairy-free-crockpot-recipes/
• https://www.theglutenfreeblogger.com/slow-cooker-recipes/
• https://crockpotladies.com/gluten-free-crock-pot-recipes/

We also have some great recipes (and more information) on our website:

https://coeliac.org.nz/

So, this Matariki holiday, as you sit by your warm fire drinking a hot beverage, have a look to the skies, find the Matariki stars, and enjoy time with whānau and friends.

Happy Matariki!