Matariki is the star cluster most commonly known across the world as Pleiades and is part of a larger constellation of stars called Taurus. It is one of the earliest recorded groups of stars in human history, that dates back some 17,000 years.

For many cultures, these stars are connected to celebration, planting, harvesting, weather, and life. For Māori, the rising of Matariki signals te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori New Year. The appearance of Matariki in the morning sky is a sign for people to gather, to honour the dead, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Wai has been learning different Matariki legends, learning where to find the Matariki stars, and doing some Matariki art. With perseverance and patience we are learning to make a star with string.