Matariki has great significance for Maori. As part of the development of our school's uniquely local curriculum we are learning more about the cultural knowledge of Matariki.

Matariki has long been thought of as a seven-star cluster, and is often referred to as the Seven Sisters – in Greek mythology, the Pleiads were the seven daughters of Atlas. In recent years Māori astronomer Dr Rangi Mātāmua (Tūhoe), carrying on the work of his grandfather, astronomer Te Kōkau Himiona Te Pikikōtuku, has shared the mātauranga that two of the stars were forgotten over time – Pōhutukawa and Hiwaiterangi – and there are actually nine. Te Iwa o Matariki are: Matariki – signifies reflection, hope and our connection to the environment Pōhutukawa – connects with those who have passed on Waitī – ties to bodies of fresh water and the food within it Waitā – ties to the ocean and the food within it Waipuna-ā-rangi – associated with the rain Tupuānuku – is for food that grows within the soil Tupuārangi – is for food that grows up in the trees Ururangi – is the star associated with the winds Hiwa-i-te-rangi – the youngest, is the wishing star that also ties into our aspirations for the coming year. When Matariki disappeared in April/May, it was time to preserve crops for the winter season. When it re-appeared in June/July our ancestors could read the whetū to predict the success of the season ahead; clear bright stars are a good omen and hazy stars predict a cold, harsh winter. If one star is brighter than another, there will be lots of yummy kai from the source it represents. If one is more dim, or completely missing, you can say haere rā to that kai source for the year, there won’t be much of it. (sourced from The Spinoff).