T E   M A H I A  S C H O O L 

Matariki at Te Mahia School

At Te Mahia School, Matariki holds a special place in our learning journey and school culture. We recognise Matariki as the true beginning of our year — a time of reflection, renewal, and reconnection.

Matariki provides a rich learning context where we explore the values of whakapapa (identity), whanaungatanga (relationships), wairuatanga (spirituality), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship). It’s a time when we remember those who have passed, give thanks for what we have, and look forward to the future with clear intentions.

As a kura, we use this time to set goals, celebrate our learning, and come together as a community. Matariki inspires us to look to the stars with hope and to carry forward the knowledge and wisdom of those who came before us.

Tūhura Tuarangi – Aotearoa in Space

In 2024, Te Mahia School was thrilled to host the Tūhura Tuarangi – Aotearoa in Space exhibition. This interactive learning experience sparked excitement across our kura, taking our tamariki on a journey through space and science.

Students explored four rich learning zones:

  • Mīharo – Wonder: Sparking curiosity about the universe

  • Mōhiotanga – Understanding: Gaining knowledge about space and Earth

  • Auaha – Innovation: Thinking creatively about science and technology

  • Wawata – Aspiration: Dreaming big and exploring future possibilities

It was a powerful opportunity that brought learning to life, encouraging critical thinking, curiosity, and future-focused thinking in our learners.

The exhibition offered rich, cross-curricular learning and tied beautifully into our localised curriculum.

“I never knew space could be so cool! I want to be a scientist now.” – Year 6 student

Matariki Workshops at Te Mahia School

As part of our Matariki celebrations, Te Mahia School offered a series of rich, hands-on workshops that connected our tamariki deeply with te ao Māori and the values of this special time of year. These workshops celebrated learning, remembrance, and preparation for the future—key aspects of Matariki.

Our tamariki:

🌿 Explored the tikanga around harakeke, learning the names of each part of the plant, reciting karakia before harvesting, and discovering how to weave

🍞 Made paraoa parai (fry bread), learning traditional kai preparation

🌱 Learned about growing their own kai, including how to prepare the soil and understand the planting cycle

🪨 Designed and painted kōhatu (stones) to lay for loved ones who have passed, honouring the whetū Pōhutukawa🎶 Created poi to practise for our upcoming Kapa Haka Festival

These experiences not only strengthened cultural understanding but also fostered creativity, connection, and whakawhanaungatanga across our kura.

Ātea A Rangi - Whare Whetū

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We had an unforgettable experience
visiting Atea A Rangi - Whare
Whetū/the Star Dome, where we delved into the rich traditions and
celestial wonders of Matariki. Our students were captivated by the
stories and significance of the Matariki star cluster, learning about its
importance in Māori culture as a time of renewal, reflection, and
connection.

The dome provided a deeper understanding of the stars and their stories, inspiring a sense of wonder and
appreciation for the night sky. This visit not only enriched our knowledge but also strengthened our
connection to cultural heritage and the natural world.

Thank you to Atea A Rangi for this enlightening and
inspiring experience!