Matariki

A star cluster is a group of stars that are close together in space. The Matariki cluster contains around 500 stars, but only six or seven can usually be seen clearly from Earth without a telescope.

Each star has its own name and special role, with connections to the natural world and important aspects of te ao Maaori.

• Matariki is the mother of the constellation. She is connected with wellbeing, and often viewed as an omen of good fortune and health.
  
• Tupu-aa-nuku is associated with food grown in the ground and traditionally, when Matariki sets in the western sky at dusk during the month of May, it indicates that winter is coming and the harvesting of the gardens should be completed.
• Tupu-aa-rangi is associated with the food that comes from the sky, connecting Matariki to the harvesting of birds and other elevated foods such as fruit and berries from the trees.
• Waitii is connected to fresh water and all creatures that live within rivers, streams and lakes.
• Waitaa is associated with the ocean, representing the many kinds of food that Maori gather from the sea.
• Waipuna-aa-rangi is connected to the rain.
• Ururangi means ‘the winds of the sky’ and is said to determine the nature of winds for the year.
  

Some iwi recognise nine stars instead of seven in the Matariki cluster which include:

• Poohutukawa is connected with the dead, and in particular those who have passed on from our world since the last heliacal rising of Matariki.
• Hiwa-i-te-rangi is connected to the promise of prosperous season.

Here are some fun, simple activities to keep kids engaged while stargazing:

• Marshmallow constellations: Use pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows to build constellations. Try copying real star patterns you can see in the sky, or create your own new ones. Give them names and come up with a story for each one.
• Constellation spotting: Try to find real constellations in the night sky. You can use a star map or app to help you match what you see.
• Star scavenger hunt: Make a list of things to look for, like a bright star, a planet, a satellite moving across the sky, or a shooting star.
• Make-your-own constellation: Look up at the stars and connect them in your imagination to form new shapes. Draw them in the air with your finger or describe them to someone else. What does your constellation look like?
• Stargazing stories: Pick a group of stars and invent a story about them. You can base it on their shape, where they are in the sky, or just your imagination.
• Meteor wishes: If you see a shooting star, take a moment to make a wish. Even if you don’t, you can still imagine what you would wish for if one appeared.

And don't forget to bring some snacks!