Matariki learning
Matariki is immensely important in our Aotearoa context and te Ao Māori. It marks the beginning of a new year and time to reflect, be present and plan for the year ahead.
Firstly, the science...
Recognising Matariki as our new year contributes to the revitalisation of te Ao Māori fostering a strong sense of cultural identity, pride and in turn supports positive oranga (wellbeing). There are also many other hauora and oranga benefits which include connecting to and appreciating te taiao, engagement with our communities and Matariki also supports our sense of meaning, purpose and hope.
Why this activity?
Matariki supports our hauora and oranga because it marks a new year, fosters our cultural identity, brings communities and whānau together and allows time to reflect, be present and plan. Matariki is hauora goodness!
What to do
If you’re new to Matariki pūrākau, knowing there are different variations is super important when it comes to teaching it. You’re not alone on this learning journey, and there will be people from your whānau community, tamariki and local iwi who will likely love sharing a kaputī (cup of tea) with you and kōrero Matariki.
We also love this video by Prof Rangi Matamua which acts as a wonderful guide and support.
Also part of his mahi, is this pūrākau, which is great for older tamariki.
For younger tamariki we love the depiction of Atua as part of the Kuwi and Friends resources which you could use to tell the pūrākau, as well as refer to loads throughout the year.
Be brave with your own learning about Matariki - enjoy the journey it takes you on, share the pūrākau as you’re learning them and continue to feel the Matariki energy and joy.
Whānau engagement
Be sure to include whānau in your Matariki learning. We'd really recommend you have a Matariki event - we have tips throughout all our Matariki activities, but ask your whānau for their help in your learning and support with your school or kura event too.
And to add to this...
To continue to expand and grow the understanding your tamariki have of matariki try our Matariki kōhatu activity or Matariki Literacy which has some awesome ideas on reflective writting
Curriculum Links
Identity, Culture, and Organisation – Students learn about society and communities and how they function. They also learn about the diverse cultures and identities of people within those communities and about the effects of these on the participation of groups and individuals.
Continuity and Change – Students learn about past events, experiences, and actions and the changing ways in which these have been interpreted over time.
