Matariki - By Kaitlyn Anstis and her Nanna
We have been learning about Matariki. Here are some examples for you:-

Matariki is the Maori name for a group of stars called "The Seven Sisters."  It is also the Maori New Year, which is celebrated for three days during June after these stars and the new moon have appeared.

Matariki is a time to celebrate the unique place in which we live and to respect the land we live on.  It is a time to pause and reflect on the year just gone, and the new year ahead - a time of new beginnings, of family and friends coming together to celebrate, through storytelling, songs, hakas, crafts, food preparation, hunting and fishing.

It is the best time to plant new trees and crops as Maori people believe the brighter the star constellation, the warmer the year, the better the harvest will be.

Matariki comes from Mata Riki meaning "Tiny Eyes" or "Mata Ariki" meaning "Eyes of God."  These stars were used to navigate, keep time, know what season it is and to learn about their legends.