There was a buzz of excitement as we worked towards Matariki Family event. Ngā tamariki were excited about the idea of us hosting an evening programme for families coming together to celebrate the essence of Matariki. “We need to decorate our rooms with stars” was one of ideas children contributed towards the big event. A range of recyclables were used to create whetū of varying colours and sizes and hung above us.

Matariki waiata made their way to the homes of tamariki as kaiako shared links and whānau shared videos and stories of families singing along to them. Sharing of Matariki stories, essences of the nine stars, harvesting kai, nurturing our native plants, art and craft, baking, researching and doing pretend hāngī are some of the many daily experiences tamariki were offered during the month of Matariki.

One of our whānau came and did a demonstration of some Māori wind instruments. Teachers and tamariki were equally dumbstruck by the beauty of those instruments and the music they produced. Our favourite one was the one that was called the pūrerehua. It was skillfully swung around and as it whizzed in the air it created sounds depicting a butterfly. We noticed that some sounds were calming and resembled nature.

For us, the highlight was the family event; where we were coming together for shared kai and korero. Our rooms were decorated for the ‘party.’ Children helped to harvest produce from mara kai. We harvested three kilograms of kumara, a huge kohlrabi, some brussel sprouts and herbs. We made kumara bread and a vegetarian soup for our manuhiri, guests as we knew that more kai would come. Ngā tamariki were practising their waiata with enthusiasm to do a performance for whānau.

At 5:30 PM families began to flock with delicious, cultural kai. Soon our tables were laid with kai from the land- above and below, from plants and trees and from the moana; looking beautiful and plentiful. Matariki kaikōhau, wish was shared with everyone and ngā tamariki proudly did their performance. Whānau members watched in admiration and then it was time to have the shared kai, mix and mingle and engage in korero. Everyone was glad that the next day was a holiday for Matariki.

Xaria, one of our tamariki says, “Thank you, it was good. I liked the food. I also liked singing, Tāwhirimātea blow wind blow….”. Her mum shared, “This event was so awesome, we loved seeing Xaria and all tamariki singing and tasting all the yummy kai, especially the kumara bread and soup.”

Whānau shared this feedback through Storypark too; “Thanks, we learnt more about Matariki culture from the organised activities and the learning story shared. George and we really enjoyed that nights. Thanks for all the efforts.”

Mithila, Venba’s mum commented that it was a beautiful night. She reflected that it would be something they would look back to in the future as treasured family times. Thanks so much, KiNZ Mission Heights for organising such a gorgeous event. We have all learnt the song, Tāwhirimatea, blow wind blow…from Venba singing it at home all day.”

We went home humming the Matariki songs and reflected on the beautiful evening we had together.