05/08/2026
Last month, our centre came together to celebrate Matariki, embracing the rich stories, traditions, and values of the Māori New Year through a wide range of meaningful experiences across all four rooms.
Throughout the month, our tamariki explored the significance of Matariki by listening to stories about Tāwhirimātea, the Matariki sisters, and how Tāne separated Papatūānuku and Ranginui, creating the world we know today. These stories sparked many thoughtful conversations and helped deepen the children's understanding of Māori culture and the meaning behind this special time of year.
Music was an important part of our celebrations, with tamariki enjoying Matariki songs, including the much-loved "Seven Stars" song. Singing together brought joy while helping the children remember the stories and values connected to Matariki.
Our learning continued through a variety of creative experiences. The children painted beautiful kites with Māori-inspired patterns, decorated them with colourful feathers, and explored traditional materials by creating a stunning harakeke (flax) kite together. They also designed their own star jars, which became part of a special Kiwi-themed Matariki project displayed throughout the centre.
As we learned about Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the Matariki star that represents hopes, dreams, and aspirations, the children created wishing stars and shared their hopes for the future, encouraging reflection and positive thinking.
Another highlight was preparing and enjoying our Matariki vegetable soup together. The tamariki took part in preparing the vegetables before gathering to share a warm meal, celebrating the values of togetherness, sharing, and gratitude that are at the heart of Matariki.
To top off our celebrations, the whole centre enjoyed a lively Matariki Disco Party! 🎉 The children danced, sang along to their favourite songs, and filled the centre with laughter, smiles, and excitement as they celebrated alongside their friends and teachers.
Matariki is a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and look ahead with hope for the future. It has been wonderful to see our tamariki embracing these values through storytelling, creativity, music, shared kai, and joyful celebrations.
A heartfelt thank you to all our whānau for supporting our Matariki celebrations. We are grateful to share these special learning experiences with your children and look forward to another year of growing and learning together.
Matariki mā Puanga – Happy Māori New Year! ⭐💙
