Matariki at the Marae

Rawe! What an amazing day we all had at Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae yesterday. The students have engaged in a day celebrating Matariki (Māori New Year) through a range of medium. Check out the photos below to see everyone in action.

Ella, Rachel and Ollivia making whetu (stars) our of harakeke. 

Kayla, Maisie and Persia learning some sewing skills from Matua Ron.

One of our new favourite games, Poi Patu, where we get to legally whack each other! Ask your child about it.

The whetu that students wove were hung on a harakeke teepee to display for the exhibition.
Although many didn't make it...the students loved them so much they had to take them home with them.

With Matua Ron we created a large Whakapapa Quilt that told the story of the taniwha Ngarara-huarau,
and the seven sisters of Matariki.

The quilt is away getting the finishing touches added and will come back to live at Gladstone School.

Students also made Manu Aute or Manu Tukutuku, which are traditional Māori
kites that are flown at Matariki.

They used raupō (bullrush) and harakeke (flax) to weave these.

One of the Manu Tukutuku completed.

Ruby using some of her new found hand stitching skills to work on the quilt.

Nanny Frances told the students stories of Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae and the surrounding area.

Thanks to all of the tutors: Nanny Frances, Matua Ron, Whaea Jade and Waiaria; also thanks to all the parents who came along to join in: Trish Edwards, Kat Wildy, Sue Butcher, Lara Ferguson and Tania Castle.