Kapa haka

This week is Matariki ( the beginning of the Maori new year): Room 8 has found some great information for their homework!

What does Matariki mean? Matariki is a cluster of stars which is only visible in the early morning for a short period of time. Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God).

Why is Matariki important? This group of stars is important to Maori as it helped them to know when to plant their crops. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future.

Why do we celebrate Matariki today?
Today Matariki means celebrating the special place we live in and giving respect to the land we live on.

Year groups around the school have all been celebrating in different ways. Today we had Kapa Haka and we celebrated Matariki by learning Whai - String games!

Kapa haka

This term Mr Chadwick will be teaching the Year 3 children some really fun Kapa Haka activities on Wednesday mornings. For the last two weeks the children have been learning actions using tii rakau (sticks which have been made by rolling up old magazines). They have been practising the actions alongside the waiata (song) E papa waiari. Room 8 is especially lucky to have Room 21 (Mr Chadwick's class) as their buddy class this year so they have been practising with their buddies too!

E papa waiari
taku nei mahi
taki nei mahi
he tuku roimata

E aue, ka mate ahau
E hine hoki mai ra
E aue, ka mate ahau
E hine hoki mai ra

Maku e kaute
o hikoitanga
maku e kaute
o hikoitanga

E aue, ka mate ahau
E hine hoki mai ra
E aue, ka mate ahau
E hine hoki mai ra