Matariki

We are learning about Matariki.
I found it tricky to find the facts.
I enjoyed writing.
Next time I would change my facts.

 What is Matariki?

Matariki is a cluster of stars.You can only see 7 but there are 9 stars.the 9 stars these are their names.The mother is Matariki, and her daughters are Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waipuna Rangi, Waitī, Waitā, and Ururangi. In the Māori language, Matariki is both the name of the Pleiades star cluster and also of the season of its first rising in late May or early June. This is a marker of the beginning of the new year .Matariki, the Māori New Year, is rich with tradition. Discover the importance of Matariki, and explore ways that you can celebrate the Māori New Year with your family. Matariki is officially celebrated on 13 July 2020.

Tupuanuku

Tupuanuku is the star connected to food grown in the ground. Tupu means to grow and nuku is the shortened version of Papatuanuku and means earth.

 Tuarangi

 Tuarangi is the star that connects the cluster to the harvesting of birds and other elevated food products like fruit and berries from the trees.

Tupu-ā-nuku

Tupu-ā-nuku is the eldest of Matariki's daughters. She spends her time with Papatūānuku tending to plants. She pays special attention to making sure they have everything they need to grow big and strong so they can produce kai , rongoā , and kākahu kākahu clothing materials.

Waipuna-ā-rangi 

Waipuna-ā-rangi welcomes the winter sky waters in all their forms  ua rain ua nganga hai and hukarere snow included. She sees how these waters contribute to the healthy cycle of our earth, and also, the effects when they don't arrive as required.

Waitī 

Waitī Maia one of the stars in Te Kāhui o Matariki, the Pleiades star cluster. A star connected to fresh water and the creatures that live in rivers, streams and lakes.

Waita

Waita is the star associated with the ocean and the many kinds of food Māori gather from the sea. Can you follow this recipe to make salt dough, and then create your own ocean of sea creatures? Store your salt dough in an airtight container as it keeps well for a few days.

Ururangi 

Ururangi is the star which determines the nature of the winds for the year. Māori have always maintained a keen interest in the wind. It was only by harnessing the power of the wind that Māori were able to travel to Aotearoa in the very beginning.