Mānawatia a Matariki
Celebrate Matariki
Embedded Files
Each year there is a theme associated with Matariki celebrations.
This year's theme is: Matariki herenga waka
Matariki Herenga Waka - this comes from the whakataukī or proverb “Tāmaki Herenga Waka” (the gathering place of many waka) is a traditional proverb and honorary name for the Auckland region. It refers to Auckland as a safe haven and gathering point for all people, symbolising connection, hospitality, and a crossroads of diverse cultures.
“The theme for Matariki celebration is Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, a powerful expression of unity, inclusion, and shared heritage.” - Chief Executive for Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae.
Celebrate and learn about Matariki - Explore the teaching and learning resources - Share what you and your class have created for others to see and learn from.
Have an amazing resource? Contribute to our resource site, submit it here.
Puanga
Some Māori iwi/tribes celebrate Puanga instead of Matariki, this is because Matariki isn't always visible in the night sky in all parts of Aotearoa. Some of those iwi who celebrate and recognise Puanga are from Taranaki, Whanganui, the Far North of the North Island and some parts of the South Island.
Click here for more information and resources relating to Puanga.
NGĀ RAUEMI | RESOURCES
Featured resources for 2026:
Matariki herenga waka
Matariki herenga waka
A compilaition of activities aimed at chromebook users. There are activties focusing on each star of the Matariki cluster. If you are in need of inspiration, check these slides out!
Manaiakalani Facilitator, Stacey Salton, created this resource. E mihi ana!
MPI maths Matariki unit/week planning, developed using a comprehensive maths programme framework, with linked practical task boards, resources and activities, and embedded assessment. It is based on the Y5-6 expectations but can be adapted for other year levels.
Thanks to Elena Terekhina, from our Research & MPI team, for providing access to this incredible resource.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi in Google Drawings | Hope & Dreams
Hiwa-i-te-rangi in Google Drawings | Hope & Dreams
Learn about the star Hiwa-i-te-rangi and create your won hopes & dream poster in Google Drawing
Manaiakalani Facilitator, Michelle Tate, created this resource. Ngā mihi nui!
Multimodal reading site
Multimodal reading site
A great multimodal reading site that incorpoartes some really great examples of Learn Create Share.
Big mihi to Lucy Ferguson, a teacher from Wigram Primary School, so shared this Site with us!
Students will become an astronomer, as you explore the night skies of Aotearoa, uncovering the science behind why different iwi look to different stars to welcome the Māori New Year.
This challege is brought to you by the fabulous Fiona Waugh (Manaiakalani Facilitator)
Matariki Maths: Phase 1-3
Matariki Maths: Phase 1-3
This slide deck includes a unit style plan for Phases 1-3, and incorporates mathematics strands like algebra, statistics, geometry, and measurement.
Donna Davies created this resource.
Matariki & Puanga Whakamārama Atu (Explain Everything)
Matariki & Puanga Whakamārama Atu (Explain Everything)
An lesson focused in on learning about Matariki and Puanga, followed by a create using the shapes & draw tool.
This is a bilingual resource (Te Reo Māori & English)
Created by a kaiako Māori to both scaffold and consolidate learning.
Matariki Stars: Distances and Brightness learning activity
Matariki Stars: Distances and Brightness learning activity
This lesson focuses on learning about the distance and brightness of the Matariki Stars and then creating a chart using Google Sheets to compare them.
Manaiakalani Facilitator, Michelle Tate, created this resource. Ngā mihi nui!
Matariki with the Mark Up tool for iPad
Matariki with the Mark Up tool for iPad
Complete some Matariki activities using the Mark Up tool on an iPad
Manaiakalani Facilitator, Stacey Salton, created this resource. Ngā mihi nui!
Link to the Cybersmart Challenge blog that has a fun Matariki themed challenge.
Matariki in Freeform for iPads
Matariki in Freeform for iPads
Learn about about Matariki and apply that learning using the Freeform tool in an iPad.
Manaiakalani Facilitator, Stacey Salton, created this resource. Ngā mihi nui!
NGĀ RAUEMI | RESOURCES
For Kaiako / Teachers to learn more about Matariki
The official Mānawatia a Matariki website
The official Mānawatia a Matariki website
An incredible website with lots of information about Matariki, each of the stars, links to resources, information to local events and lots more!
Access to free resources, brought to you by Rauora Reo.
Tirohia! Check them out!
Te Mātahi o te Tau
Te Mātahi o te Tau
An assortment of curriculum resources developed by the Ministry of Education on from Kauwhata Reo
Mostly in Te Reo Māori.
Matariki LCS Multimodal Site
Matariki LCS Multimodal Site
Multi modal site and resources created and curated by Manaiakalani facilitators.
(Michelle Tate & Janine Bava)
A blog post written by our amazing Manaiakalani Maths facilitator, Elena Terekhina, with some NZ Maths integrated resources.
Tātai Aho Rau Core Education
Tātai Aho Rau Core Education
Access to free resources that build understanding of Matariki.
Learn: Read the whakataukī and gain an understanding.
Create: Demonstrate your understanding with adding a whakataukī on to a Google Slide and using images or other media to decorate your slide.
Share: Post on to your blog!
Living by the Stars website by Professor Rangi Mātāmua
Living by the Stars website by Professor Rangi Mātāmua
This website has links to a web series where Professor Rangi Mātāmua discusses all the different areas, aspects and stars relating to Matariki. Along with links to FAQ, resources and links to other content relating to Matariki.
Mānawatia a Matariki Karakia Booklet
Mānawatia a Matariki Karakia Booklet
Matariki Karakia published by Te Arawhiti to encourage readers to celebrate and read about the traditions and cultural importance of Matariki.
Due Drop Events Centre - Matariki
Due Drop Events Centre - Matariki
To help celebrate Matariki Day, Due Drop Events have 5 videos of the 'Māori Myths by the Sandman' series in full Te Reo Māori, in addition to its English versions!
Register here to gain FULL access to resources.
ATAATA | VIDEOS
A video in Te Reo Māori (with English subtitles) giving visual and audio explanations of each star and what they represents.
An Island of Mystery episode - all in Te Reo Māori
A short video sharing ideas around how to celebrate Matariki
Scarlett's guide to Matariki, including 7 facts you need to know! Really contemporary and easy to watch.
Little Kiwi's Matariki
'Storytime Read Aloud Picture Book for Kids NZ'
A video describing how to find the Matariki star cluster by Te Papa Tongarewa.
The Stars of Matariki - A visual story told by The Sand Man
Matariki
'Storytime Read Aloud Picture Book for Kids NZ'
HANGA | CREATE
Hands on tasks
Easy paper 8-point star
Woven 8-point star
Woven star
Harakeke/flax star
WAIATA | SONGS
PRINTABLE RESOURCES
Printable Activity Book - English
Rauemi / Resources from Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand
Pukapuka Ngohe Mahi - Te Reo Māori
Report abuse