Matariki

This is the week when Matariki is celebrated. Matariki is the Māori New Year. It is nearly the middle of winter when the earth (papatuanuku) is at rest, when the family, especially the 'gardeners' in the family turn their thoughts to the new season and what to plant. It is cold outside and ideal for families to be snug inside keeping warm and enjoying being together. In the days gone by this is the time when Taua and Poua would tell stories to their mokopuna. They would also talk about whakapapa and whanau.
Here are some ideas for small children's art work for Matariki. Lots of glitter!

Te Whanau (The Family)

Here is 'my' whanau. In this photo are my brothers, nephews, nieces, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, husband, (adult) children and mokopuna (grandchildren)
Having a photo like this is great for one to learn the Māori words for family members and once you know them, learn a simple sentence structure or two - then practice, practice, practice using your Reo.
There are many resources and Websites where you can access the words and sentences you may need.
The RTM's(Resource Teachers of Maori) are also able to help with the kōrero around a Whanau photo.
What a goal to set yourself for 2010. Tumeke! (Go for it!)

When the Land Speaks to you.

I have always had an interest in the History of Māori, especially of Murihiku Māori.
Recently a rōpu (group) of Oraka-Aparima Runaka members went for a history hikoi around a well known area in Murihiku (Southland)
We were fortunate to have an archeologist with us who showed us some 'old' Māori occupation sites and middens.
This picture shows shattered fire stones and the remains of kai - bones and shell.
The weather was excellent and we all learned a lot about 'our' past.

Interesting Reading about Ngai Tahu

If you are interested in learning more about Ngai Tahu, the tribe who have Mana Whenua in Te Waipounamu (the South Island), then here are two of their latest publications.
Te Karaka can be purchased from any book shop. Te Panui Runaka is distributed to every registered Ngai Tahu person. You can get the loan of one from a Papatipu Runaka (there are four in Murihiku, Waihopai Runaka, Hokonui Runaka, Oraka-Aparima Runaka and Awarua Runaka). Or you contact us, the RTM's. See our link at the right of this page.

Please note: There are eight 'tribes' at the top of the South Island so Ngai Tahu has a Boundary between them and 'us'.