Matariki

Room1 have been reading stories and legends relating to Matariki, the cluster of seven stars which signal the start of Maori New Year.

Room 1's favourite legend calls the stars the seven sisters

Matariki is the Māori name for the small cluster of stars in the Taurus constellation that rise during the New Zealand winter. The Māori New Year signals a time for connecting with, and giving thanks to, the land, sea and sky. In late May and June a group of seven stars appear in the winter night sky. These stars are called the seven sisters. Matariki is the name for the biggest star. She is the eldest sister and guides her younger sisters to their places in the sky. 

We watched and read the book The seven stars of Matariki. Then we drew and wrote about the story.

We hope you enjoy our Matariki stories

We learnt how Matariki is a time to make plans for the future, forget problems of the past and enjoy being with family.