Matariki Mākete

Amongst the festive lights, people in their 1000’s explored their city in the cold of the Southern hemisphere’s winter solstice. Matariki (Pleiades) would be seen on the eastern horizon before dawn. Adventurer’s young and old were rewarded for their bravery by delicious food and artisanal creations at the Matariki Mākete. Cuisine from all over the world such as Koé Cheese Bread, Cinque Terre and Bangkok Wok met the artistic brilliance of Youngman Prints, Upcycled Plastic and Mermade Pearls.

For three amazing evenings (19-21 June) Undisturbed was there too, sharing naturally made mead with the people of Christchurch. The mulled mead was the crowd favourite with nearly 1,000 cups poured to warm bodies and hearts. Brewed by heating Manuka mead with cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. The spices and honey combine to make “winter in a cup” - described by one drinker as “wow, that’s 10 times better than mulled wine!”

Bottle sales were popular too, with Rhubarb’d mead being the purchase of choice, selling out 2 of the 3 nights.

It felt wonderful to contribute something special and novel to people’s Matariki weekend - and to meet so many excellent humans.