Matariki Design Exploration

Year 9 Technology — Matariki Introduction

Name:

Date:

🌟 Part 1: Understanding Matariki

Matariki is a cluster of nine stars, each with its own special significance in Māori culture. Use what you've learned to answer the questions below.

1. What is Matariki and why is it significant in Māori culture? Choose the best answer.

A group of stars used only for navigation at sea.

A cluster of nine stars marking the Māori New Year, celebrating the environment, ancestors, and the future.

A traditional Māori festival celebrated only in the South Island.

A constellation visible only in the Northern Hemisphere.

2. Match each star to its meaning. Draw a line from the star name to its significance.

Matariki

Pōhutukawa

Tupuānuku

Waitī

Ururangi

Freshwater environments and food

Winds and the weather

Health and wellbeing of people

Connects the living to those who have passed

Food grown in the ground

3. Which of the following best describes the project you will be creating? Tick all that apply.

A design using cuts and engravings inspired by Matariki symbolism.

A design that reflects a personal or family connection to one of the nine stars.

A copy of a traditional Māori design found online.

A design that shows creativity, cultural respect, and technical skill.

4. In your own words, explain why it is important to approach Matariki designs with cultural respect.

💡 Scaffold: Start with — "It is important to be culturally respectful because..."

✏️ Part 2: Personal Connections & Symbol Brainstorm

Now it's your turn to think about what Matariki means to you. Choose two or three stars that feel personally meaningful and brainstorm symbols that could represent your connection to them.

5. Choose a star from the nine and explain your personal connection to it.

The star I have chosen is: _______________________________

💡 Scaffold: "I chose this star because it reminds me of... / connects to my life by... / makes me think about..."

6. What symbol or image could represent your connection to this star? Describe it in words first, then sketch it in the box below.

My symbol idea: _______________________________

Why it represents my connection: ___________________________________________

7. Think about how your symbol could be created as a cut or engraving. What shapes, lines, or patterns might work well? List at least three ideas.

💡 Think about: bold outlines, repeating patterns, negative space, koru shapes, geometric forms.

8. Reflect on your design ideas so far. What is one thing you are excited about, and one challenge you think you might face?

💡 Scaffold: "I am excited about... / One challenge I might face is... because..."

🎨 Part 3: Extension — Going Further

Optional: Complete this section if you have finished early or want to explore your ideas further.

9. Extension Design Challenge: Sketch a second symbol for a different star from the nine. Label your sketch and explain how it connects to the star's meaning.

Star chosen: _______________________________ Meaning: _______________________________

How this symbol connects to the star's meaning:

10. Homework (optional): Collect an image, story, or object from home that connects to Matariki or your cultural background. Write a brief note below about what you plan to bring and why it is meaningful to you.