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Matariki Stars Celebration

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Matariki Stars Celebration

Read the short story, then complete each activity. You can use the Māori words in the story to help you.

Pānui | Read

Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades. Its rising in the mid-winter sky marks the Māori New Year for many Māori communities. People celebrate in different ways. They may remember loved ones who have died, share kai with whānau, tell stories, and look ahead to the year to come. Some people speak of seven stars, while many Māori traditions recognise nine. Te reo Māori words: whetū = star; kai = food; whānau = family; aroha = love; mihi = greeting or thanks.

Whakamātauria | Try it

1.What does the rising of Matariki mark for many Māori communities?
  • The Māori New Year
  • The start of summer
  • A harvest festival in spring
2.Match each te reo Māori word to its meaning.
  • whetū
  • kai
  • whānau
  • aroha
  • family
  • star
  • food
  • love
3.True or false: Everyone celebrates Matariki in exactly the same way.
TrueFalse
4.Complete the sentence with a word from the story: People may share with whānau.
5.The story says some people speak of seven stars and many Māori traditions recognise nine. Why is it helpful to know that traditions can differ?
6.Choose two activities from the story that people may do to celebrate Matariki.
7.Write a short mihi (greeting or thanks) you could say to someone sharing kai with you. You may include the word mihi.
8.In the story, what does whānau mean?
  • Family
  • Star
  • Food
9.Imagine you are planning a kind Matariki gathering. Describe one thing you could do to show manaakitanga (care and hospitality) to your guests.
Draw a starry Matariki sky. Add at least seven stars, then label one whetū. You may also draw something that represents hope for the year ahead.

3 printable pages

  • Matariki Stars Celebration, page 1 of 3: Pānui | Read, Whakamātauria | Try it

    Page 1

  • Matariki Stars Celebration, page 2 of 3: 3. True or false: Everyone celebrates Matariki in exactly the same way.

    Page 2

  • Matariki Stars Celebration, page 3 of 3: 9. Imagine you are planning a kind Matariki gathering. Describe one thing you could

    Page 3

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