Matariki Writing

Matariki and Her Stars      

Matariki is a cluster of stars that appears in the sky in June and July of each year. In other parts

of the world there are different names for the clusters like pleiades. In New Zealand  you look

up at the night sky and see the seven sisters. You know that it is winter and it's time to prepare

for the Maori new year. Different  places celebrate Matariki differently. Each star has an

important job to do. Some of the stars in the cluster are Waiti,  Hiwa-i-te-rangi, Matariki and

Ururangi.

Waiti Waiti  is the freshwater star. She also connects to all the creatures that live in the  rivers/streams and lakes. Waitī is a twin to Waitā the salt water star. In the star cluster waiti sits above watia in the star cluster because fresh water flows down to salt. She represents all the life and food that lives in freshwater like eels, freshwater fish and plant life . Hiwa-e-te-rangi Hiwa-e-te-rangi is the younger star. She grants wishes. There is a special dance and song you do to get her to grant your wish.Hiwa e-te-rangi helps us to achieve our goals for the year. She brings positivity to you . hiwa-e-te-rangi brings good luck to you for the new year. Matarik Matariki is the mother of the star cluster.She connects to health and well being. Matarkik  sigonfile a time for reflection. a time to remember our genealogy, remember those who have passed on. She represents our connection to the environment.

Ururangi 

Ururangi is the star of whether and attitude.He detriments how windy it will be.Ururangi 

reminds us that a good attitude is always

important.Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi have a special relationship and balance each other

out of wind and rain .

By Megan