Manawatia a Matariki – Celebrating Matariki.
Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. It is a special time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present with whānau and friends, and look ahead with hope and aspirations for the year to come. It is also a time to give thanks for the harvest, share kai, and strengthen our connections with one another and the world around us.
At Te Mahia School, we were proud to celebrate Matariki through learning, connection and fun.
On Monday and Tuesday, our tamariki worked in groups, led by our outstanding House Leaders, embracing the spirit of tuakana-teina. We were fortunate to have kaiako, whānau, community members and the Healthy Active Learning Team from Sport Hawke's Bay sharing their knowledge and skills through a range of authentic workshops and traditional Māori kēmu.
Throughout the two days, students experienced weaving whetū, making poi, kōhatu art, tī rākau, kōwhaiwhai patterns, manu tukutuku, paraoa parai (fry bread), fresh hummus, and learning to play traditional games including Hohōhopu, Tapu Āe and Kī.
On Wednesday, we welcomed Tahuri Mai through the Matariki Herenga Waka programme, who shared a range of traditional Māori games including Manu Tī, Papapa, Papapa with Rākau and Koruru. We finished the afternoon with a Matariki Amazing Race, expertly led by Whaea Levi from Kahungunu Executive, where our tamariki worked collaboratively to solve challenges, apply their learning and celebrate everything Matariki represents.
These three days were far more than simply taking part in activities. They provided rich opportunities for our tamariki to deepen their understanding of te ao Māori, strengthen their leadership, work collaboratively, and build meaningful connections with one another and our wider community.
He waimarie nui ō tātou tamariki ki ēnei wheako, ā, kua whai rawa ake rātou nā ngā mātauranga i tohaina ki a rātou.
Our tamariki are incredibly fortunate to have experienced these opportunities and are richer for the knowledge and experiences that have been shared with them.
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who generously gave their time, expertise and passion to make our Matariki celebrations so memorable. Together, we continue to strengthen the partnership between our kura and our community, ensuring our tamariki learn from the people and traditions that make Te Mahia such a special place.
Mānawatia a Matariki!
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