“Waitī, Waitā, Waipugarangi, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Ko Ururangi te potiki, O te whanau Matariki”.
(Tune: Macarena)
The singing filters through the building as the children learn about the 7 stars of Matariki moving their bodies to the beat.
Matariki marks the beginning of a new year in the Maori calendar. Named after the cluster of stars visible at this time of the year (mid-winter). It is a time for remembrance and respect for what has been and for celebrating the harvest season and the hopeful joys of what lies ahead. It is a time to share and make memories with loved ones.
Here at Piccolo Park, Matariki gives us the opportunity to connect with all our families over a meal at the end of the day. A meal made from a shared harvest of vegetables from each family. The children help peel and prep the vegetables for our big pot of soup and mix the dough for our Maori bread – the perfect complement to our nutritious soup.
The weeks leading up to our big family night are filled with much fun learning and exploring all things Matariki. From making our own stars to reading Maori legends to children leading their own journeys of discovery. Children question, ponder and make connections with the myths and legends and rituals that are a part of our bicultural heritage and their present. Their creative exploits that bring the imagination to life.
