Weaving Harakeke Celebrating Matariki Stars

Weaving Harakeke Celebrating Matariki Stars

Year 6 Learning Journey Māori Weaving Traditions Connecting with Matariki

WALT: Understanding Harakeke and Matariki

We Are Learning To understand the significance of harakeke in Māori culture We Are Learning To identify the connection between weaving and Matariki celebrations We Are Learning To respect tikanga Māori protocols Success Criteria: I can explain why harakeke is important to Māori Success Criteria: I can name at least 3 Matariki stars

The Sacred Nature of Harakeke

Harakeke is considered a taonga (treasure) Each plant represents a whānau (family) The centre shoot (rito) is the child The two outer leaves (awhi rito) are the parents Never harvest the rito or awhi rito

Tikanga and Karakia Before Harvesting

Always ask permission from the plant Offer a karakia (prayer) of gratitude Explain your purpose for harvesting Take only what you need Leave the plant healthier than you found it

When and Where to Harvest

{"left":"Best time: Early morning when dew has dried\nAvoid windy or very hot days\nChoose healthy, mature plants\nHarvest from the outside edges only","right":"Look for plants away from roads and pollution\nChoose leaves that are 1-2 meters long\nSelect unblemished, strong leaves\nAvoid plants that look stressed or damaged"}

Preparing Our Harakeke

Clean leaves with damp cloth Remove any insects or debris Cut leaves to even lengths Strip the hard edges if needed Sort by width and quality Keep leaves damp while working

The Nine Stars of Matariki

Basic Rou Rou Weaving Technique

Start with 3 harakeke strips Create a simple plait base Form into a circular shape Secure the ends by tucking under Add decorative elements Each rou rou represents a Matariki star

Creating Our Matariki Star Collection

Work in groups of 3-4 students Each group creates 9 rou rou stars Assign each star a Matariki name Discuss what each star means Share stories about your star's significance Display stars together as a constellation

Reflecting on Our Learning

"Like the stars of Matariki, we are all connected. Our weaving brings us together, just as the stars guide us through the year." - Celebrating our cultural connections through traditional crafts