Graphic of the Matarki stars against the night sky.

Matariki: Bringing our stars to life

The rising of the Matariki star cluster signals the start of the Māori New Year. This programme introduces learners to how Matariki connects us to people, to whānau and to the rhythms and seasons of the natural world. Tihei, mauri ora!

Key details

Suitable for: Years 3 to 8 — may be available for Years 1 and 2 (discuss with us first).

Learning areas: Social sciences (including history), English, te reo Māori, science and the natural world.

Duration: 1–2 hours

Cost: Free

Available: Terms 2 and 3

Founding documents: He Whakaputanga — Declaration of Independence, Te Tiriti o Waitangi — Treaty of Waitangi

He Tohu themes: People, living together, our future

Tikanga

There are principles and cultural concepts that teachers might want to explore as a result of the stories and the mātauranga Māori embedded within those narratives. Some of these concepts include:

  • atuatanga

  • whānaungatanga

  • rangatiratanga

  • kaitiakitanga

  • maumahara

  • manaakitanga

  • mana taonga.

What ākonga will learn

Ākonga (students) will learn:

  • how Te Iwa o Matariki was formed in the sky as part of the creation of Te Ao Mārama (the world of light)

  • that the unique role of each star forms an essential relationship between the cosmos, the earth and tangata whenua

  • how tangata whenua formed a special relationship with the natural world which gave rise to scientific knowledge and practices developed through a process of adaptation and change.

What ākonga will do

Ākonga will:

  • participate in role-playing as the story is told

  • share about their own whānau families and their roles and responsibilities

  • interact with the programme resource materials provided as part of this experience.

Book this programme or find out more

Book now

Email the Senior Education Specialist, He Tohu Tāmaki at servicestoschools@dia.govt.nz.

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the partnership and support of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa who provided mātauranga and digital assets for use in this learning programme.

The Matariki map used in the learning programme, created in partnership with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.