We celebrated Matariki at Te Uru Tarata | Lemonwood Grove School in Week 1 with a focus around music, song, art, dance and food.

Traditionally Matariki was celebrated by gathering with whānau (family) and reflecting on the past.

The festival’s connection to the stars provided an opportunity for families to remember their whakapapa (genealogy) and those ancestors who had passed away to the heavens. Offerings were made to land-based gods who would help provide good crops, and new trees were planted to signal new beginnings.

Many of these traditional celebrations are still practiced today, however there are many others ways that Matariki is celebrated also. Most celebrations focus around music, song, dance, food and family.