Last week in Homebase 13 and 14 we listened to some different stories about Matariki.

After listening to the story ‘The Seven Kites of Matariki’ we made our own kites by recycling a paper bag. We cut the front panels of the bag to weave together to make our kite shape.

We then looked into what the meanings of the nine stars of the cluster Matariki and made our own wishes on stars to add to our kites.

Matariki - symbolises hope, the environment and the gathering of people.

Pōhutukawa - connected with those that have passed on.

Tupuānuku - connected with everything that grows in the ground to be harvested or collected for food.

Tupuārangi - the trees and the fruits, berries and birds found within them.

Waitī - all to do with fresh water (rivers, lakes, creeks and streams and the food that is found in them.)

Waitā - associated with the ocean, and all food sources that are found from saltwater.

Waipunarangi - aligned with rain in all its forms and styles.

Ururangi - linked with the winds, both the wild and the gentle.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi - granting of wishes, and for setting goals for the coming year.