On 13 June, a cold but sunny wintry morning, 20 young enthusiastic Deaf and hard of hearing students from Rotorua, Tokoroa, Taupo and Turangi gathered at Westbrook School, in anticipation of Matariki Language Day. They were eager to hear Matariki stories, engage in various fun activities and social games, all the while learning and using targeted vocabulary around Matariki in the 3 languages of Aotearoa (Te Reo, NZSL and English).

A few stories around Matariki were signed and read out to the students, from which they learnt about kahui whetu (constellations), the Maori names of the 9 stars and their meaning, and whakanui (celebrations) of Matariki (Maori New Year). They had some kumera chips for kai, chose their vegetable seeds for planting (whakatā), wove tape into beautiful ika (fish), challenged themselves and others to master whai (string) games and construct manu tukutuku (kites). By the end of the day, several students shared what vocabulary they remembered, made connections with old and new friends, and went home bearing taonga (treasures) and new-found matauranga (knowledge).