Matariki

Today is the start of Matariki.

Matariki is the Maori New Year. In New Zealand, it is becoming more and more popular to celebrate Matariki. There is talk that it may soon become a public holiday.

In Room 7 we have learned that Maori New Year begins when the Matariki stars (Pleiades) first appear over the horizon each year. This was a sign to start the annual planting of the crops that would grow through spring and summer.

Matariki was celebrated in pre-pakeha times by feasts/Haangi, celebration and reflection on the year that has been. The children celebrated Matariki by playing games.

On Tuesday, Mr Chadwick at Kapahaka, taught us how to play "Kite"- "Too see".

To play "Kite"  two players each hold a Ki Paua in one of their hands.  They stand some 5 or so metres apart in a defined area.  They then close their eyes or are blindfolded.  Each player must rattle their Ki Paua vigorously with each step.  They can remain stationary but must still rattle their Ki Paua vigorously every 5 seconds or so.  The object of the game is to work your way into the vicinity of your opponent so that you can grab or tag them before they get you!