Connecting as whānau and hapori at Raureka Kindergarten

Every year kaiako at Raureka Kindergarten set up a Matariki room where tamariki can spend time and learn more about Matariki whetū.

Matariki at Raureka Kindergarten is a time to pause, reflect and count their blessings.

Aroha is at the centre of all that they do. Kaiako pride themselves on teaching from the heart using Mana Enhancing practices to build on each of their tamariki’s sense of identity and belonging.

A big part of knowing who they are and where they come from is learning about significant events like Matariki. At Raureka, Matariki is also a special time to come together and celebrate whānau and community.

Head teacher Natalie Reid says kaiako and tamariki value deeply the importance of Matariki as the beginning of the Māori New Year and see it as a fresh start.

Preparation for Matariki at Raureka begins by setting up and creating a Matariki room for the tamariki.

Head teacher Natalie Reid prepares kai and rewana bread for their special Matariki whānau evening.

A small blacked out room illuminated with fairy lights to create the illusion of a starlit sky, is just one of the perfect Matariki experiences for tamariki at Raureka, says Natalie.

The room is also filled with pukapuka, puzzles and other resources that promote and encourage te reo Māori and te ao Māori.

Coming together as whānau

A highlight of Matariki night is spending time around the fire pit and singing waiata.

This year’s Matariki theme is ‘Matariki Kāinga Hokia – Matariki calls you home’, so it is fitting that on 14 July when Matariki will be officially marked around Aotearoa, the Raureka Kindergarten hapori will come together for a whānau evening.

“We all come together to share a delicious kai or soup and rewana bread and normally have different activities our whānau can take part in with their tamariki such as weaving or mahi toi,” she says.

One highlight of the night is spending time around their fire pit and singing waiata and sharing kōrero.

A crowd favourite, Natalie says, is a national favourite of Aotearoa, composed by Ngāti Kahungunu Anglican priest Wi Huata, Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi.

Reflection and remembrance

Before the end of their Matariki evening they take a moment to remember those loved ones who have passed on by lighting individual lanterns and walking around their outside environment while listening to calming music.

During Matariki, kaiako and tamariki light candles in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away.

 “Here at Raureka we value this tradition as it brings us together and strengthens the sense of community and whakawhanaungatanga,” Natalie says.

Showing gratitude is also an important part of the Matariki journey. Kaiako prepare meaningful gifts for tamariki and whānau.

“We bake star shaped shortbread for our tamariki and their siblings along with their own little poi. And we use leaves from our kawakawa tree to make kawakawa balm for our whānau.”

Natalie says by celebrating Matariki she believes they’re holding onto traditions of their tīpuna and handing down the knowledge to future generations.

“This is a time of year we look forward to and one we hold close to our hearts.”

Kaiako prepare meaningful gifts for tamariki and whānau including kawakawa balm.