Matariki teacher resource pack - Christchurch City Libraries

Christchurch City Libraries 

Matariki Teachers’ 

Resources 2012

Christchurch City Libraries’ 

Matariki Teachers’ Resource 2012 

Matariki Teachers’ Resource 

Matariki is the Māori name for the constellation of stars that are often known in other cultures 

as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. Matariki may be translated as mata riki – tiny eyes, or as 

mata Ariki – eyes of God. These eyes are thought to watch over the land and it’s people. 

Matariki, this small but distinctive star cluster, is visible from Aotearoa (New Zealand) 

dropping below the horizon in April and reappearing in June. The rise of the star cluster in 

June heralds the beginning of the New Year according to the Māori lunar calendar, and 

indicates a change in season, into the colder winter months. It is a time for seasonal 

celebration. 

There are many Māori beliefs regarding Matariki in relation to its cultural significance. Some 

iwi believe Matariki is a mother surrounded by her six daughters. Matariki was used as a 

navigational star. It was also thought to herald what the new year might have in store, as its 

physical appearance when it arose was thought to signify whether or not the following year 

would be prosperous. This celestial configuration announces the changing of the seasons, the 

coming of the cold and indicates an ideal time to plan for planting. 

Traditionally by the time of the ascension of Matariki, food crops had been harvested and the 

storehouses would be well stocked. Hākari or feasts were common. Other food gathering 

activities would cease. Communities would be able to participate in celebrations with a focus 

on activities related to learning and the arts, with weaving, singing and performing, wānanga 

and the learning of whakapapa being some examples. Nowadays Matariki has become a time 

to celebrate the revitalisation and resurgence of Te Reo Māori and other traditional Māori 

knowledge. 

Matariki was also an important time to mourn and remember those who had passed away. 

The yearly reappearance of Matariki signifies a time to prepare, to share ideas, to remember 

the past and celebrate the future. Matariki can be a time of change, and growth. During 

Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give. Matariki celebrates the 

diversity of life. It's a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people, of our past, present 

and looking to the future. 

Each year, many communities come together to remember those who have passed, and to 

celebrate those who are to come. 

Other beliefs about Matariki 

Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as M45, the star system Pleiades; 

the Pleiades are about 450 light years away and were formed approximately 100 million years 

ago. There are a total of 500 stars in in the cluster, but is dominated by young hot blue stars, 

up to 14 of which can be seen with the naked eye. The Matariki is the heliacal rising of the 

'Seven Sisters', a star cluster seen in late May, early June. 

The Japanese call these Seven Sisters 'Subaru' - if you look at the logo of the company 

Subaru, you'll see a stylised symbol of the Seven Sisters, as ancient mythology meets modern 

industry. 

Some First Nation peoples in America believe that they came from the Pleiades. They believe 

they are descendents of the star system and had been given a task by the Pleiadians to keep 

the Earth safe. 

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One legend tells of several maidens who were being pursued by a ferocious bear. Kneeling to 

pray for help, they called upon the gods, who raised the ground where they were located high 

into the air. Angered, the bear clawed at the earth in a vain attempt to reach them. After 

leaving huge claw marks in the unyielding earth, the bear gave up and retreated. The maidens 

were turned into stars and placed in the sky forever out of harm's way. 

To find out more about other Cultures beliefs or stories about Matariki we have included the 

names the constellation is known by in other Pacific Cultures to help you in your searching. 

Pacific names for Matariki 

Matariki Māori, Mangaian (Cook Islands), Mangarevan (Gambier Is – French 

Polynesia) 

Matali’i Samoan 

Makali’i Hawaiian 

Mataliki Tongan 

Mataiki Marquesan 

The following pages contain some possible examples of related curriculum achievement 

objectives and learning experiences based or themed around Matariki. 

Level, Subject and Achievement Level, followed by examples. 

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Contents 

Matariki Teachers’ Resource.....................................................................................................1 

Other beliefs about Matariki .................................................................................................. 1 

Pacific names for Matariki..................................................................................................... 2 

Contents ................................................................................................................................. 3 

1................................................................................................................................................. 4 

VISUAL ARTS...................................................................................................................... 4 

ENGLISH .............................................................................................................................. 4 

Useful links............................................................................................................................ 4 

2................................................................................................................................................. 5 

VISUAL ARTS...................................................................................................................... 5 

ENGLISH .............................................................................................................................. 5 

Useful Links........................................................................................................................... 5 

3................................................................................................................................................. 6 

VISUAL ARTS...................................................................................................................... 6 

DANCE.................................................................................................................................. 6 

ENGLISH .............................................................................................................................. 6 

SCIENCE - Planet Earth........................................................................................................ 6 

SOCIAL STUDIES................................................................................................................ 6 

Useful Links........................................................................................................................... 7 

4................................................................................................................................................. 8 

SOCIAL STUDIES................................................................................................................ 8 

VISUAL ARTS...................................................................................................................... 8 

ENGLISH .............................................................................................................................. 8 

SCIENCE-Living World........................................................................................................ 8 

Useful Links........................................................................................................................... 8 

5............................................................................................................................................... 10 

ARTS - Music...................................................................................................................... 10 

ENGLISH ............................................................................................................................ 10 

SOCIAL SCIENCES ........................................................................................................... 10 

Useful links.......................................................................................................................... 10 

6............................................................................................................................................... 12 

ENGLISH ............................................................................................................................ 12 

ARTS ................................................................................................................................... 12 


Useful links.......................................................................................................................... 12 

7............................................................................................................................................... 14 

ENGLISH ............................................................................................................................ 14 

ARTS ................................................................................................................................... 14 

SCIENCE............................................................................................................................. 14 


Useful links.......................................................................................................................... 14 

8............................................................................................................................................... 16 

ENGLISH ............................................................................................................................ 16 

ARTS ................................................................................................................................... 16 


Useful links.......................................................................................................................... 16 

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1 

VISUAL ARTS 

Share the ideas, feelings and stories communicated by their own and others objects and 

images. 

Draw or paint a visual representation of Matariki that shows what the appearance of this 

constellation represents to both Māori and/or other cultures. 

ENGLISH 

Speaking, Writing and Presenting 

Draw or paint a visual representation of Matariki that shows what the appearance of this 

constellation represents to both Māori and/or other cultures. 

Listen to a story about Matariki and then write a sentence to explain their understanding of 

what it is. 

Useful links 

For students 

Check out Christchurch City Libraries’ Kids zone to discover more facts and resources about 

Matariki http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/Holidays/Matariki/ 

Visit Christchurch City Libraries’ Māori Zone to discover more about Matariki. 

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Maori/Heritage/Matariki/ 

Library Resources 

� Matariki, Melanie Drewery 

� Stories from our Night Sky, Melanie Drewery 

� Scoop and Scribe search for the Seven stars of 

Matariki, by Tommy Wilson 

� The seven stars of Matariki, by Toni Rolleston- 

Cummins 

� Te huihui o Matariki, by Toni Rolleston-Cummins 

YouTube clip- The seven stars of Matariki read by Toni 

Rolleston- Cummins 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKL6V69RLxo&feature=r 

elated 

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2 

VISUAL ARTS 

Share the ideas, feelings and stories communicated by their own and others objects and 

images. 

Draw, paint or construct a visual representation of Matariki that shows what the appearance of 

this constellation represents to both Māori and other cultures. 

ENGLISH 

Speaking, Writing and presenting 

Listen to a story or piece of music about Matariki and then write a paragraph to explain their 

understanding of what it is or express feelings experience whilst listening. 

Useful Links 

For students 


Matariki http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/Holidays/Matariki/ 

For teachers 



Visual Arts 


� Matariki, Melanie Drewery 

� Stories from our Night Sky, Melanie Drewery 

� Scoop and Scribe search for the Seven stars of 

Matariki, by Tommy Wilson 

� The seven stars of Matariki, by Toni Rolleston- 

Cummins 

� Te huihui o Matariki, by Toni Rolleston-Cummins 

YouTube clip- The seven stars of Matariki read by Toni 

Rolleston- Cummins 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKL6V69RLxo&feature=re 

lated 

English 

Library resources. 

� Matariki by Melanie Drewery 

� Stories from our night sky, by Melanie Drewery 

� Scoop and Scribe search for the seven stars of Matariki by Tommy Wilson 

� Polynesian Favourites by Bill Sevesi - contains the track Matariki 

� Celebrating Matariki by Libby Hakaraia 

YouTube- Matariki Waiata written by Te Whiuwhiu o te hau. Video with lyrics 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmm90HCwepE 

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3 

VISUAL ARTS 

Describe the ideas, their own and others’ feelings, and stories communicated by their own and 

others’ objects and images. 

Create a visual representation of traditional tasks or activities associated with Matariki that 

are occurring as Matariki rises. In small groups share your work and understanding of 

Matariki with each other. 

DANCE 

Prepare and share dance movements individually and in pairs or groups. 

Learn a Waiata about Matariki that has actions and then perform as an individual, pair or 

group. 

Create a dance to represent the rising of Matariki. 

ENGLISH 


Write a simple poem (acrostic, alliteration, haiku) about the appearance of Matariki in the sky 

and what this meant for Māori. 

Write a list of things that people could do to celebrate the appearance of Matariki 

Write a reminder list of seasonal jobs that need to be completed by this time of year. 

SCIENCE - Planet Earth 

Investigate the components of our solar system, developing an appreciation of the distances 

between them. 

Map the position of key constellations including Matariki and include a key which gives 

information about the distances between the constellations or create an appropriate scale and 

position the constellations accurately. 

Create a lifecycle for a star that identifies the characteristics that a star has at each phase of its 

life. 

SOCIAL STUDIES 

Understand how cultural practices vary but reflect similar purposes. 

Compare stories from around Aotearoa, Te Waipounamu and the wider Pacific region about 

Matariki. Describe the similarities and differences. 

Draw a Venn diagram that shows the similarities and difference between celebrations that 

occur around the appearance of Matariki or Pleiades. 

Compare international stories or traditions about the appearance of Matariki or Pleiades 

constellation. 

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Useful Links 

For students 

Check out the Christchurch City Libraries Kids zone to discover more facts and resources 

about Matariki http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/Holidays/Matariki/. 

For Teachers 

Visit the Christchurch City Libraries Māori Zone to discover more about Matariki. 

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Maori/Heritage/Matariki/. 

Visual Arts 


Celebrating Matariki, by Libby Hakaraia 

Web Links 

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year/1 

Tīrama Tīrama Matariki YouTube video 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFGzGoJbD5g 

Matariki Makarena YouTube video 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kw4gQ3sMCA 

Dance 


� Matariki- Music CD by Ngahiwi Apanui 

� Tuia, by Ariana Tikao - contains the track Matariki 

� Polynesian Favourites by Bill Sevesi - contains the track Matariki 

Web Links. 

YouTube Music video- Seven Stars of Matariki Pt 1 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKbLtuK69xU&feature=related 

YouTube -Matariki Waiata written by Te Whiuwhiu o te hau 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmm90HCwepE 

English 


Stories from our night sky, by Melanie Drewery 

Web Links. 

WickED Matariki Interactives (Ministry of Education.) 

http://www.wicked.org.nz/r/wick_ed/matariki/index.php 

Social Studies 



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4 

SOCIAL STUDIES 

Understand how people pass on and sustain culture and heritage for different reasons and that 

this has consequences for people. 

Using a Venn diagram compare and contrast cultural practices that occur around the 

appearance of Matariki, for example, Completion of Food gathering / celebrations/ wānanga. 

Create a timeline noting the different planting and gathering activities for Māori during the 

Lunar month. 

VISUAL ARTS 

Explore and describe ways in which meaning can be communicated and interpreted in their 

own and others work. 

Create a painting, print or sculpture that shows what the appearance of this constellation 

represents to both Māori and other cultures. Peer share. 

ENGLISH 

Speaking, Writing and Presenting. 

Write a fictional diary entry that reveals personal experience of Matariki celebrations or 

activities. 

Write a short story about Matariki. 

SCIENCE-Living World 

Explain how living things are suited to their particular habitat and how they respond to 

environmental changes, both natural and human induced. 

Investigate an indigenous plant or animal that was used as a food source and record how the 

seasons affected its supply and how it was gathered/harvested. 

Useful Links 

For students 


Matariki http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/Holidays/Matariki/. 

For Teachers 



Visual Arts 


Te kāhui O Matariki- Contemporary Māori Art for Matariki by 

Libby Hakaraia 

Web Links 

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English 


Matariki by Melanie Drewery 


Christchurch City Libraries’ Matariki webpages 


Social Studies 


Matariki Aotearoa Pacific New Year: Te Whakarite kaupapa mō Matariki Making plans for 

Matariki published by Te taura Whiri i te reo Māori 

Te Taiao, Māori and the Natural world 

Web Links 

YouTube- Video Montage of contemporary Matariki practices in 

New Zealand 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAMJWv4j4UQ&feature=rela 

ted 

http://www.korero.maori.nz/news/matariki/factsandfigures/lunarc 

alendar.html 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleiades_in_folklore_and_literature 

Science 


Te Reka o te kai- Kai Atua compiled by Te Waka kai ora 

Te Taiao, Māori and the natural world 

Web Links 

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year/2/2 

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5 

ARTS - Music 

Prepare, rehearse and present performances of music, using a range of performance skills and 

techniques. 

Write and present a musical piece which represents the change of season and rise of the 

constellation of Matariki. 

ENGLISH 


Show an understanding of how to shape texts for different audiences and purposes. 

Write a speech on or debate why it is necessary to recognise the importance of Matariki 

traditions and practices. 

Develop a picture book or children’s story which illustrates some of the traditions and 

practices around Matariki. 

SOCIAL SCIENCES 

Understand how cultural interactions impacts on cultures and societies. 

Investigate whether other cultures have adopted Māori traditions an/or practices surrounding 

Matariki and describe how this has been of benefit. 

Useful links 

For students 

Check out Christchurch City Libraries’ Kids zone to discover more about Matariki 

http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/Holidays/Matariki/. 

For Teachers 



Arts 

Web Links 

http://www.korero.maori.nz/news/matariki/factsandfigures/lunarcalendar.html 

English 


� Matariki by Melanie Drewery 

� Scoop and Scribe search for the seven stars of Matariki, by 

Tommy Wilson 

Web Links 

For students 

Check out Christchurch City Libraries’ Kids zone to discover more 

facts and resources about Matariki 

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http://christchurchcitylibraries.com/Kids/Holidays/Matariki/. 

For Teachers 

� Visit Christchurch City Libraries’ Māori Zone to discover more about Matariki. 


� http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year/1 

Social Sciences 

Web Links 

� http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=20173 

� http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00280.htm 

� http://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/ 

� http://tumeke.blogspot.co.nz/2009/06/big-thursday-draw-matariki-on-hold_18.html 

� http://www.korero.maori.nz/news/matariki/factsandfigures/lunarcalendar.html 

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6 

ENGLISH 

Show a developed understanding of ideas within, across and beyond texts. 

Collect a range of Whakataukī (proverbs) around the subject of Matariki and give 

explanations of what they mean. 

Write and illustrate a children’s picture book using a traditional Māori myth or legend around 

star lore or navigation as the story basis. 

ARTS 

Select and use choreographic devices, structures, processes and technology to develop and 

give form to dance ideas. 

Select traditional Kapahaka or combine Kapahaka with modern dance forms to retell a 

Matariki based story through dance. 


Understand that natural and cultural environments have particular characteristics and how 

environments are shaped by processes that create spatial patterns. 

Create a map that spatially identifies which Pacific cultures have used the “Matariki*” 

constellation as a basis for their own myths, legends or traditional practices. 

(*The constellation may be referred to by a different name) 

In pairs, research countries in the Pacific that observe Matariki (or the Pleiades) e.g. Japan, 

Samoa, Hawai’i, Fiji and Aotearoa and add this information into Google maps. 

Useful links 

For students 



For Teachers 



English 


� Scoop and Scribe search for the seven stars of Matariki, by 

Tommy Wilson 

� Matariki The Māori New Year by Libby Hakaraia 

� Stories from our night sky, by Melanie Drewery 

� The Seven Stars of Matariki by Toni Rolleston-Cummins, 

illustrated by Nikki Slade-Robinson 

� Illustrated Maori Myths and Legends by Queenie Rikihana 

Hyland, illustrated by Patrick Puru 

� Titles relating to Māori whakataukī for children 

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Web Links 

� http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/english/matariki_e/proverbs.shtml 

� http://www.tki.org.nz/r/maori/nga_pakiwaitara/ 

� http://www.sacred-texts.com/pac/om/om07.htm 

Social studies 


� Matariki Aotearoa Pacific New Year: Te Whakarite 

kaupapa mō Matariki = Making plans for Matariki, 

published by Te Taura Whiri I te reo Māori 

� Te Taiao, Māori and the natural world 

� The Seven Sisters of the Pleiades: Stories from around 

the World by Munya Andrews 

Web Links 

� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleiades_in_folklore_and_lit 

erature#Japan 

� http://www.aao.gov.au/images/captions/uks018.html 

� http://maps.google.co.nz/ (My places) 

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7 

ENGLISH 

Organise texts using a range of appropriate coherent and effective structures. 

Write a report on: 

Star lore and navigation 

Traditional Matariki pastimes such as weaving. 

ARTS 

Explore how drama reflects our cultural diversity. 

Create a role play, tableau or play that highlights the different cultural interpretation of the 

appearance of Matariki, 

OR, 

Reveals different cultural practices relating to either navigation / planting and harvesting 

practices. 

SCIENCE 

Explain the nature and lifecycles of different types of stars in terms of energy changes and 

time 

Research the constellation of Matariki and identify its current status in terms of star life cycles 

(include such information as star ages, distances from Earth and other constellations etc) 


Understand how people’s perceptions of and interactions with natural and cultural 

environments differ and have changed over time. 

Explore how celebrations associated with Matariki in New Zealand have experienced 

changing levels of interest/popularity over time, giving reasons for possible trends. 

Useful links 

For students 



For Teachers 



English 


� Te Taiao, Māori and the Natural world 

� Te kāhui o Matariki- Contemporary Māori art for Matariki 

by Libby Hakaraia 

� Books for children about raranga (māori weaving) 

� Māori weaving and fibre arts 

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Web Links 

� http://www.teapot.orconhosting.net.nz/maori_star_names.html 

� http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/Education/OnlineResources/Matariki/Weaving/Pages/Ove 

rview.aspx 

� http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-CowYest-t1-body-d1-d7.html 

Arts 


Science 


� Te Taiao, Māori and the natural world 

� Tātai Arorangi, Māori Astronomy, Work of the Gods by 

Kay Leather and Richard Hall 

� Naked Eye Wonders by Paul Taylor 

Web Links 

� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleiades 

� http://www.aao.gov.au/images/captions/uks018.html 

� http://www.ngaituhoe.com/files/te_ao_maori_jun05.pdf 

� http://www.astronomynz.org.nz/maori/first_month.htm 

Social Sciences 


Te Taiao, Māori and the Natural world 

Web Links 

� http://www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki.htm 

� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matariki 

� http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/2664039/Matariki-holiday-bill-to-go-before- 

Parliament 


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8 

ENGLISH 

Select, develop, and communicate sustained and insightful ideas on arrange of topics. 

Script and perform a short film that communicates the growth and development of Matariki 

celebrations over time. 

ARTS 

Research, critically evaluate and refine ideas to create original drama work. 

Script and perform a play that communicates the growth and development of Matariki 

celebrations over time. 


Understand how people’s perceptions of and interactions with natural and cultural 

environments differ and have changed over time. 

Explore how celebrations associated with Matariki in New Zealand have experienced 

changing levels of interest/popularity over time. Give consideration to whether trends are a 

result of social or political forces. 

Useful links 




Te Taiao, Māori and the natural world 

Web Links. 

� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matariki 

� http://www.nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-BesAstro-t1-bodyd1-d6-d2.html 

� http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/maori/matariki_m/index 

.shtml 

� http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/2664039/Matarik 

i-holiday-bill-to-go-before-Parliament 


� http://www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?id=20173 

� http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0906/S00280.htm 

� http://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/ 

� http://tumeke.blogspot.co.nz/2009/06/big-thursday-draw-matariki-on-hold_18.html 

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Matariki teacher resource pack - Christchurch City Libraries

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