Stories Written in the Sky

Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of a special cluster of stars in the winter sky. It is a time to remember loved ones who have passed, to give thanks for what we have, and to look ahead with hope to the future. For tamariki, learning about Matariki helps build a strong sense of cultural identity and belonging, while nurturing respect for whānau, whenua, and the natural world. Through storytelling, creative art, shared kai, gardening, and gentle moments of remembrance and reflection, tamariki begin to understand seasonal change, gratitude, and renewal in meaningful ways.

Matariki is made up of nine stars, each with its own special role and teaching:

Matariki – The mother star that represents wellbeing, unity, and bringing people together.
Pōhutukawa – The star that honours loved ones who have passed away.
Tupuānuku – The star of food grown in the ground, such as vegetables and crops.
Tupuārangi – The star of food from the sky, including birds and forest foods.
Waitī – The star connected to freshwater and the life within rivers and lakes.
Waitā – The star connected to the ocean and seafood.
Waipunarangi – The star of rain and waters that nourish the land.
Ururangi – The star of winds and sky, linked to seasonal change.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi – The wishing star, associated with hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

Our Matariki learning resources are designed to bring these stories and teachings to life in hands-on, engaging ways for tamariki. The Matariki Dress-Up Capes allow children to embody each star through imaginative play and role-play, helping them explore the meanings of the stars while building confidence and creativity. The Matariki Mobile supports visual learning, enabling tamariki to see the cluster of stars and understand how they relate to one another in the night sky.

The Matariki Floor Puzzle encourages collaboration and shared problem-solving as children piece together an illustrated Matariki scene, while learning about the stars and their connections. The Matariki Light Table Stars invite sensory exploration, pattern-making, counting, and storytelling, offering a calm and interactive way to engage with the themes of light, stars, and the natural world.

Together, these resources provide meaningful, age-appropriate pathways for tamariki to connect with Matariki, deepen their understanding of te ao Māori, and develop a lasting appreciation for the cycles of nature, community, and renewal.