Please come along and join the school and community in celebrating what has now become an annual event in the Mapua calendar. Performances, food, lighting ceremony, science and art displays will be happening at the Mapua Community Hall.

How many stars does Matariki have?

Matariki has nine visible stars.

The nine visible stars include: Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.

'The physical appearance of Matariki in the sky was traditionally used by a tohunga (a priest or expert) as a forecast of the year ahead. Clear and bright stars signalled warm and productive seasons, and hazy or shimmering clusters meant a cold winter was coming and ground for crops was prepared accordingly.

Each iwi has their own stories and perspectives about Matariki. Today Matariki is generally seen as an important time to celebrate the earth and show respect for the land. It is also a time to acknowledge those who have passed away and plan for the year ahead. Matariki is a good opportunity for Māori communities to share their stories and culture with other New Zealanders, and many events and activities are planned throughout the country.' (NZ Curriculum-tki.org website)

More information will be posted in our Mapua School newsletters leading up to Matariki. Please keep an eye out for these. 

Ka Puta Matariki   (Matariki reappears)

Ka Rere Whānui    (Whānui - Vega starts it's flight)

Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e!  (Being the sign of the New Year)