Matariki - NZ newest public holiday

Just a reminder that the school will be closed as it is a public holiday.

The reason why our new Matariki holiday is being celebrated:

"Matariki will be a distinctly New Zealand holiday and a time for reflection, celebration, and to look to the future as we take increasing pride in our unique national identity," Ardern said.

For Māori, the appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance, joy and peace. It is a time for communities to come together and celebrate. In the 2000s, it became more common for both Māori and Pākehā to celebrate Matariki

Matariki as the name of the cluster as well as the main star within this cluster. The cluster Matariki is more commonly known as Pleiades. Many different cultures around the world have their own historical references to Pleiades.

The nine stars of Matariki are the same as recorded in Greek traditions which include seven children and their parents.

The nine stars of Matariki are as follows:

 Matariki is the mother of the other stars.

· Pōhutukawa connects Matariki to the dead and is the star that carries our dead across the year. 

· Tupuānuku is tied to food that grows in the ground.

· Tupuārangi is tied to food that comes from above your head such as birds and fruit.

· Waitī is tied to food that comes from freshwater.

· Waitā is tied to food that comes from saltwater.

· Waipunarangi is tied to the rain.

· Ururangi is tied to the winds.

· Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the youngest star in the cluster and is the star you send your hopes, dreams and wishes to.

Each star is responsible for a different domain within te ao Māori and plays a role in keeping balance in the relationships with the environment. This is seen in the connection of the sky and earth, fresh water and saltwater, and the weather.