Matariki is a special time for reflection, connection, and cultural celebration. At BestStart Kensington, our tamariki honoured the season through art, stories, and song—bringing whānau together to share in this meaningful tradition.
Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, which becomes visible in Aotearoa's skies in mid-winter. Its appearance signals the beginning of the Māori lunar calendar and is celebrated with kai (food), whānau (family), and storytelling.
Matariki invites us to pause and reconnect with loved ones, the natural world, and ourselves. It’s a celebration of identity, belonging, and regeneration. Whether you're Māori or not, Matariki offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on what matters most.
At BestStart Kensington, we held our annual Matariki event on Thursday 19 June, hosting our whānau in our four individual rooms. Each room shared an art exhibition or display of the artwork they had been working so hard on, read stories, and performed Māori songs that the children had been practising throughout the month.
Afterwards, a karakia was performed, and we shared kai with our whānau, who brought in a plate of finger food.
Matariki and Te Whāriki, New Zealand’s early childhood curriculum, are beautifully aligned in their emphasis on connection, reflection, and holistic development. Matariki offers a rich cultural context that supports the strands of Te Whāriki, making it a powerful time for tamariki to explore identity, relationships, and the natural world.