This week is Matariki week at Stanley Bay School. Matariki is a time to come together to remember those who are no longer with us and released their spirits to become stars. It was also a time to be thankful to the gods for the harvest, to feast, and to share the bounty of the harvest with family and friends.

The children had a great morning coming together in different classes and age groups to try different activities that the teachers had organised.

These included; Making leaves of gratitude for the gratitude tree, playing traditional Kupu games and learning Rakau stick action song, star threading, a Matariki stars scavenger hunt, making friendship bracelets, making Matariki stars for a mobile, Matariki koru pastel art, kite making and baking gingerbread stars and decorations.

On Thursday morning we will be holding our Matariki Breakfast. All the children are invited to share Weetbix and Milo and listen to stories of Matariki- SBS Hall, 8am.

The Matariki Stars:

Pōhutukawa

Pōhutukawa is the star that serves as a reminder of those who have passed on, encouraging us to take the time to remember them and acknowledge their impact on our lives.

Tupuānuku

Tupuānuku (“tupu” means ‘to grow’ and “nuku” is the shortened version of “Papatuanuku” meaning ‘Earth’) is the star connected with everything that grows in the ground to be harvested or gathered for food.

Tupuārangi

Tupuārangi is the star associated with food sources that come from the sky, such as birds, or fruit and berries from trees.

Waitī

Waitī is connected with all freshwater bodies and the food sources sustained by those waters. Waitī watches over freshwater environments such as awa (rivers), roto (lakes), kūkūwai (wetlands), and waipuna (springs).

Waitā

Waitā represents the ocean and the seafood that can be harvested from it. This star encourages us to respect our coasts, oceans and marine life.

Waipuna-ā-Rangi:

Waipuna-ā-Rangi is connected with rain, hail and snow.

Ururangi

Ururangi is connected with the various winds.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is a wishing star, helping us to realise our hopes and aspirations for the coming year.