Our tamariki and whānau came together to celebrate Matariki with meaningful activities, shared stories, and a night of connection — honouring Māori traditions and welcoming the New Year together.
We had a wonderful evening on Tuesday, celebrating Matariki with our whānau in the WAITĀ room. Their presence made the evening truly special, and we hope everyone enjoyed the event.
Here’s more about the meaning of Matariki, why we celebrate it, and the activities we enjoyed with our beautiful tamariki and whānau.
What is Matariki?
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is much more than a date on the calendar. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration deeply rooted in Māori culture and traditions.
Matariki marks the rising of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) in the night sky, which signals the start of the Māori year, typically around mid-year.
This event encourages us to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. It is a time to remember those who have passed, to give thanks for the blessings of the past year, and to set intentions for the year ahead.
Traditional practices include releasing prayers and wishes to the stars, planting crops, and gathering with whānau and the wider community. It is a time to reconnect with the land, our environment, and our ancestors — a celebration of Māori identity, language, and culture.
Matariki provides an opportunity for all New Zealanders to come together, learn, and appreciate the rich heritage of Aotearoa.
Our Matariki Activities
Here are some of the activities our tamariki and whānau enjoyed throughout the week, along with their significance:
- Kite Making — The children created traditional Māori kites (manu tukutuku) using simple materials, adding colours, patterns, ribbons, and sparkles. Kites represent aspirations and wishes. Flying kites during Matariki symbolises sending those hopes to the stars.
- Writing Wishes and Goals — It was wonderful to see tamariki and parents writing wishes on ribbons for our room display. This tradition encourages reflection on the past year and setting intentions for the year ahead. We appreciate all the parents who contributed.
- Sharing a Feast (Hākari) — During our parents' social evening, we shared kai together. This celebrates unity, sharing, and the abundance of the harvest. It strengthens community bonds and teaches tamariki the importance of generosity.
- Storytelling — During group times, we introduced tamariki to the nine Matariki stars and their significance. Storytelling helps pass down cultural knowledge, history, and values, helping children connect with their heritage.
- Planting — Tamariki planted carrots and lettuce with their whānau to take home, nurturing them as they grow. This symbolises new beginnings and the importance of caring for our environment.
- Arts and Crafts — Children created Matariki-themed crafts, including star decorations, paintings, and collages. These creative activities support self-expression and reinforce the themes and symbols of Matariki.
These experiences provided a fun and meaningful way for tamariki to engage with the cultural significance of Matariki, while fostering a deeper appreciation for Māori traditions and values.