Matariki

WALT - visual language features.

This week I was learning how to use visual language features.

I enjoyed typing it onto my chromebook.

I found it challenging to challenge myself.

My digital learning object shows that I can use visual language features.

Matariki

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars. Matariki is the start of a new 

Māori new year. If you want to see it, you can look at the place where the 

sunrise is, just 1 hour before the sunrise, you might see the stars. Matariki 

starts in June/July, 

Matariki is a time to celebrate new life, it is also a time to remember those who

 have passed away and to plan our own future. Matariki is also a time to 

celebrate with whānau and friends - we enjoy kai (food), waiata (song), 

tākaro (games) and haka.

How many stars does Matariki have?

Matariki has nine stars, but before we all thought it was 7. But according to the

 Māori astronomer, Dr Rangi Matamua, who’s been researching Matariki over 

30 years ( Wow, that’s a lot of years).  Dr Rangi Matamua found that some of 

his tūpuna were able to see 9 stars.

Through the naked eye, you could only see 7 stars. But if you look carefully, 

you might see 9 or with a star scoop you can see the nine stars IF you look in 

the right spot where the stars would be.

The 9 visible stars include: Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Ranchi, Waitī, 

Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Each star 

holds a certain significance over our wellbeing and environment.

The 9 Matariki stars.                                                        

Matariki

Matariki is the star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the

 environment and the gathering of people. Matariki is also connected to the

 health and wellbeing of people.

Pōhutukawa

Pōhutukawa is the star that connected to those who had passed away.

Waitī

Waitī is connected to the fresh waters of the bodies and the food sources.

Waitā

Waitā is connected with the ocean and the food sources within the ocean.

Waipuna-ā-Ranchi

Waipuna-ā-Ranchi is connected with the rain.

Tupuānuku

Tupuānuku is the star that is connected with everything that grows within 

the soil and is ready to be harvested or gathered for food.

Tupuārangi

Tupuārangin is the star that is connected with everything that grows within 

the trees, like berries, fruits and birds. 

Ururangi

Ururangi is connected with the wind.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is connected with granting our wishes, and releasing our 

 aspirations for the coming year.