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Celebrating Matariki at BestStart Pharazyn Street
Matariki is a celebration of the Maori new year. You can see Matariki represented by 9 stars in the night sky. Each of these stars represent something different that helps us to remember and reflect on how we live our lives. Tamariki Maia celebrated each of the stars individually over the month of Matariki, by learning about each of the stars and participating in many different activities relating to them. We also put on a show for our whanau and shared our learning, followed by shared kai.
Waitī is the star of the freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and springs.
Waitī encourages us to understand what the freshwater environments provide us and how they connect and sustain us.
Waitā is the star of the oceans including all the different animals and plants that live in it.
Waitā encourages us to respect our coasts and oceans and treat their inhabitants like the treasures they really are.
Waipuna-ā-rangi is the star of sky waters in all forms including rain, hail, and snow.
Waipuna-ā-rangi encourages us to reflect on these waters and how they contribute to the healthy cycle on earth. Also, how we think about and act upon climate change.
Tupu-ā-nuku is the star of edible plants.
Tupu-ā-nuku encourages us to reflect what we are putting into Papatūānuku, the earth.
Tupu-ā-rangi is the star of our forests and wildlife living amongst them.
Tupu-ā-rangi encourages us to act on getting our forests back up and running again.
Ururangi is the star of the wind.
Ururangi encourages us to understand the different types of wind, embrace its strength and prepare for any challenges it creates.
Pōhutukawa is the star of remembering those who have passed on.
Pōhutukawa encourages us to take time to remember them, and to acknowledge their impact on our lives.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the wishing star.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi encourages us recognise our hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the coming year.
Matariki is the star of being together.
Matariki encourages us recognise spend time with out loved ones and celebrate the ability of being together.