Students and Teachers in Team Moana visited Papanui Library on Wednesday the 7th of July to learn more about Matariki.   Mataakiwi, Jemma, Rochelle and Yang (members of the Maori Services Team and Christchurch City Libraries) gave Isleworth School students an enjoyable Matariki experience.  

Rochelle,Mataakiwi, Jemma and Yang made the traditional story of the nine stars of Matarki, as told by Rangi Matamua, come alive.  Through storytelling, dance and art activities students learned the names of the nine stars.  In  Rangi Matamua's version of the Matariki story the stars are  Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Ururangi, and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.  Each star is attributed with a  responsibilty for  an area of our environment as seen from a Māori world view. 

Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, and 17th July this year the Matariki constellation will be seen at its best.