Our Auckland North Shore Team visited Rūaumoko Marae to work with students from Tū Kōkiri during Matariki.

Ten of our Outreach students joined Tū Kōkiri students to celebrate Matariki together. We were welcomed onto Rūaumoko Marae in NZSL and Te Reo Māori when we arrived. It was amazing to see all three languages of Aotearoa celebrated and recognised together. It was a powerful experience for us all.

Our first activity was to learn about the story of ‘The Seven Fish of Matariki’. We were lucky to have Anthony, a staff member from Tu Kokiri, share the story in NZSL. The students were engaged and understood the story through his fantastic storytelling.

We worked together to weave fish from harakeke to represent the seven fish of Matariki. Students and staff worked together learning this skill and together produced beautiful fish. We then learnt about Kowhaiwhai patterns and looked at the different ones around Rūaumoko. The students got to choose a design to colour to create their bookmarks.

Tū Kōkiri and Outreach students worked together to learn four plaits and made a rope to complete their bookmarks to take home. We finished our day with Anthony telling us another Māori legend and everyone coming together to sing and sign Pepeha by Six60. It was a wonderful experience, making connections and learning together.

Thank you to Tū Kōkiri for all your help in supporting our young Outreach learners!