Can Predicting the Weather Save Lives?
$29.99
Introduction
Matariki is a special time to connect with loved ones, reflect on the year that has been, and to look ahead to the future. Reflection can look different for everyone, which is why this resource is so meaningful and versatile.
Using the templates provided, you can choose between 3–9 stars to create a beautiful 3D star display for your kāinga (home) or karaehe (classroom). Each child can choose the stars that resonate most with them and/or their whānau and reflect on their personal meaning. Choose between lined stars for writing, or blank stars for drawing and creative expression.
Last year, we created a resource exploring each individual Matariki star, what it symbolises, and ways we can connect with these meanings in our lives today. These are fantastic classroom and at-home resources for learning about Matariki and celebrating the significance of the rise of our treasured whetū (stars). These are all linked below.
The 9 Stars of Matariki and Their Meanings
Matariki (the mother) Represents health, wellbeing, reflection, and connection. She brings the cluster together and symbolises hope and prosperity for the year ahead. Mānawatia a Matariki! (classroom activity)
Pōhutukawa Connected to those who have passed away since the last rising of Matariki. She is the star of remembrance and reflection of our loved ones. Make a Memory Time Capsule
Tupuānuku Associated with food grown in the ground, such as vegetables, herbs, and cultivated crops. Kitchen Scrap Gardening
Tupuārangi Connected to food gathered from above, including birds, berries, fruits, and trees. Build Your Own Bird Feeder
Waitī Associated with freshwater sources such as rivers, lakes, and streams, along with the food and life within them. Build your Own Mini Water Filter
Waitā Connected to the ocean and the seafood gathered from it. Ocean Layers in a Jar
Waipuna-ā-rangi Associated with rain and the water that falls from the sky. Build your own Barometer
Ururangi Connected to the winds and weather patterns for the coming year. Build a Wind Powered Spinner
Hiwa-i-te-rangi The youngest star, known as the ‘“wishing star,’” where people send their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the future. Design a Dream Invention
The appearance of the Matariki stars — whether they are bright and clear or dim and hazy — has traditionally been used to help predict the prosperity and conditions of the coming season especially when it comes to our māra (gardens) and kaimoana (food from the sea).
Tīmata! Let’s get started!
What You Will Need
- Star template PDF (blank or lined)
- Art materials: coloured pencils, pens, markers, glitter, etc.
- Scissors
- Glue
- Hole punch
- String or ribbon
Lets Begin!
1. Reflect on the 9 Matariki stars and decide which ones are most meaningful to you this year and why. You need at least 3 stars to make it 3D.
2. Print one star template for each star you would like to include. You may choose blank stars for drawing or lined stars for writing — or use a mixture of both.
3. Use your art materials to colour, draw, or create something meaningful to you. As you create each star, think about:
- Why is this important to me?
- Who does this connect to?
- What memories, hopes, or goals does this represent?
- How can I honour this throughout the year?
4. Glue one half of a star to half of another star. Continue repeating this step until all stars are connected.
5. With the final star, glue the remaining sides together to create your complete 3D star shape.
6. Glue one half of a star to half of another star. Continue repeating this step until all stars are connected.
7. With the final star, glue the remaining sides together to create your complete 3D star shape.
8. Flatten the star gently and use a hole punch where marked.
9. Thread string or ribbon through the hole.
10. Display your 3D Matariki star at home or in your classroom to celebrate Matariki within your community.
Reflect
- Which Matariki stars did you choose and why?
- How do these stars connect to your life, whānau, or community?
- What memories, hopes, or goals do your stars represent?
- Which star was the most meaningful for you to create? Why?
- How does celebrating Matariki help us reflect on the past and look forward to the future?
Purpose and Connection
This activity encourages creativity, reflection, and connection while helping tamariki explore the meaning of Matariki in a personal and meaningful way – allowing them to reflect on their identity as an individual, within their wider whānau and communities. It also provides an opportunity to learn about and honour the whetū of Matariki, while considering ways we can continue to live by each of their values throughout the year.
