We will be celebrating Matariki this year through our very own Nayland College Hui Taurima. The focus will be on learning about our local history and stories through a cross-curricula, place and culturally responsive approach.  Every Year 9 student will be involved, as well as Senior Te Reo and Hospitality students. Our Hui Taurima will be held on Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday the 6th July.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises just once a year, and in 2017 Matariki will begin on June 25. 

A special feature of Matariki celebrations is the flying of kites, which in ancient custom are thought to flutter close to the stars. The Matariki constellation is also well known throughout the Pacific as a key navigation beacon for ocean voyagers, as well as an important signal for seasonal celebration.

Tuesday will involve a Pōwhiri at Whakatū marae followed by visits to significant sites to learn the histories and stories of our local places. The afternoon hikoi will be led by staff and senior Te Reo students.

During period 1 of Wednesday and Thursday Year 9 students will go to the hall for presentations. We have ‘Waka Warrior’, Keanu Townsend to present on the history of Pacific Voyaging and Waka Hourua (double hulled sailing canoes), and their journeys across the Pacific and to Te Hau Ihu o Te Waka-a-MauiTe Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-a-Māui. On Thursday morning, the presentation will be on traditional navigation methods including the ‘Star Compass’, and other methods such as tracking migratory patterns of birds including the Kuaka. 

For the remainder of Wednesday and Thursday students will choose either two one-day options or a two-day option. Options for the one day activities include: Waka ama; Maori Fishing Technology; Manu Taratahi/Kite building; Māori weaponry; Science Investigations through Hangi Heat and Rongoā Māori; and Ki-o-rahi and Traditional Māori Games.

Two day options include: producing an art piece representing a student’s personal Mihi; Korero Pakiwaitara: design and production of books/comic strips/presentations of local stories and legends; Taonga Puoro -producing, playing and recording Traditional Māori music; and Pakipūmeka/Documentary Making.