Matariki+Arrives

Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God). The constellation was important for navigation and timing the seasons. In //traditional times//, Matariki was a season to celebrate and to prepare the ground for the coming year. //Today// Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on.
 * Matariki **is the Maori name for the group of seven stars in the sky. They are also known as the Seven Sisters.

The precise date depends also on the moon, which is why it is not a fixed date (usually late May or early June). The rising is also affected by latitude, being later on any given day for viewers further south. You can get a chance to see Matariki if you get up very early in the morning. __**In 2017 Matariki will begin from 25 June**__.
 * Matariki** is the Maori New Year, when the star cluster Europeans call "The Pleiades" rises in the north-east in the evening twilight.

We watched a Matariki myth movie. At the start of the movie the sky was black, there were no stars. Tamarereti went out fishing in his waka. He caught 3 fish but then the wind died down and he fell asleep. The wind carried him to the shore. He made a fire and cooked his fish. Tamarereti saw some rocks that were glowing. He got into his waka and threw them into the sky. They became the stars of Matariki.

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=Matariki Interactive=

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**Ngā Tamariki O Matariki** Waitī, Waitā, Waipunarangi, Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Ururangi e Koinei ngā tamariki o Matariki (These are the children of Matariki) Ngā whetū e pīataata i te rangi e (The bright stars that shine in the sky) Ngā whetū e pīataata i te rangi e (The bright stars that shine in the sky)

Kaitito waiata (composer): Erana Hemmingsen

=Matariki Story=
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=Find out more about Matariki=

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