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Matariki Stars Creative Project

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Matariki Stars Creative Project

Read the short guide, solve the activities, then plan a creative piece that shares an idea about Matariki. You may write in te reo Māori, English, or a mixture. Star associations can vary between iwi; this worksheet introduces one commonly taught set.

Read: A new year under the stars

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. In Aotearoa, its rising in midwinter is connected with the Māori New Year. Matariki is a time to remember people who have died, celebrate the present, and look ahead with hope. Whānau and communities may gather, share kai, tell stories, and set intentions for the year ahead. Many people learn about nine stars in the Matariki cluster. In one commonly taught set, Waitī is connected with fresh water and life in it; Waitā with the ocean and its life; Tupuānuku with food grown in the ground; Tupuārangi with food from above the ground, including birds and fruit; and Waipuna-ā-rangi with rain. Ururangi is associated with the winds, Hiwa-i-te-rangi with wishes and aspirations, and Pōhutukawa with those who have passed away. Matariki is often described as the star that brings the cluster together. Different iwi may explain the stars and their meanings in different ways.

Explore the meanings

Use the guide above to complete the activities. Pay attention to macrons in Māori names.

1.Match each star with the connection described in the guide.

Waitī
Waitā
Pōhutukawa
Hiwa-i-te-rangi

Wishes and aspirations
Fresh water and life in it
The ocean and its life
Those who have passed away

2.In the reading, what does the word kai mean?

Food
Wind
Star
Rain

3.Choose the two stars the guide connects with food.

Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi
Ururangi and Hiwa-i-te-rangi
Waitī and Pōhutukawa
Matariki and Waipuna-ā-rangi

4.Complete the sentence with a star name from the reading: “Ko te whetū e hono ana ki te ua.” (The star connected with rain is .)

5.True or false: The reading says that all iwi explain the Matariki stars in exactly the same way.

6.The guide describes Matariki as a time for remembering, celebrating the present, and looking ahead. Give one example of an activity a whānau or community might do, and explain which of these ideas it supports.

Plan your creative piece

Imagine a local Matariki gathering where people are sharing hopes for the year ahead. Create a short pūrākau (story), waiata (song), spoken-word piece, or visual design inspired by one star. Be respectful: use the star meanings in the guide, and remember that traditions can differ between iwi.

7.Choose one star for your piece. Complete the sentence: “Ka kōwhiri au i a ________ nā te mea ________.” (I choose ________ because ________.)

8.Select a creative form and state what your audience should understand or feel after experiencing it.

9.Sketch a symbol or scene for your creative piece. Add the name of your chosen star and one short caption explaining how your design connects to its meaning.

Sketch your scene or symbol here. Include a star name and a caption.

10.Draft four to six lines for your piece. Include your chosen star, one accurate connection from the guide, and an idea about remembering, celebrating, or hoping. You may use these starters: “Ko ___ tēnei whetū.” (This is the star ___.) “E hono ana ki ___.” (It is connected with ___.) “Ko taku wawata mō te tau hou, ko ___.” (My hope for the new year is ___.)

11.Check your draft: name one Māori word or phrase you used, and explain how it helps communicate your idea about Matariki.

12.Reflection: What is one idea about Matariki you want your audience to remember? Give a reason for your choice.