Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a special time in Aotearoa for reflection, connection and celebration. It’s also the perfect opportunity to introduce tamariki to te ao Māori through hands-on, age-appropriate activities.

Whether you’re new to Matariki or looking for fresh ideas to celebrate this weekend, this guide will help you learn about the kaupapa and get creative with your littlest ones.

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. Its rising in the winter sky signals the beginning of the Māori lunar new year. Traditionally, Matariki was a time for:

• Honouring those who had passed
• Giving thanks for the harvest
• Sharing kai with whānau
• Setting intentions for the year ahead

In recent years, Matariki has been recognised as a public holiday in Aotearoa. It’s a time for all people in Aotearoa to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future.

Why It’s Important for Kiwi Kids

Celebrating Matariki supports tamariki to:

• Understand the natural world and changing seasons
• Learn te reo Māori and cultural traditions
• Build whānau connections and shared memories
• Develop a deeper sense of belonging to Aotearoa

When we bring Matariki into our homes, we strengthen cultural awareness and create meaningful moments for the whole whānau.

10 Simple Matariki Activities for Under 5s

All activities are based on resources from Matariki.co.nz, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Playcentre NZ, and Paitu.

1. Paper Star Craft

Create a cluster of Matariki stars for your window or fridge.

You’ll need:

• Card or coloured paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• String (optional)

Steps:

1. Draw and cut out 9 stars.
2. Decorate with crayons, paint or glitter.
3. Glue onto a large sheet or hang individually with string.
4. Talk about the name of each star and what it represents.

Source: Playcentre NZ

2. Matariki Star Biscuits

Get little hands helping in the kitchen with star-shaped cookies.

You’ll need:

• Biscuit dough
• Star cookie cutter
• Baking tray
• Icing or sprinkles (optional)

Steps:

1. Prepare your favourite biscuit dough.
2. Let your child help roll it out and cut star shapes.
3. Bake and cool.
4. Decorate together or enjoy as-is.

Source: Paitu

3. Create a Matariki Wishing Tree

Write or draw hopes and dreams on paper stars.

You’ll need:

• Small branches
• Vase or jar
• Paper
• Scissors and string

Steps:

1. Collect a few bare branches and place in a vase.
2. Cut stars from paper.
3. Help tamariki write or draw a wish on each star.
4. Hang stars on the branches.

Source: Playcentre NZ

4. Matariki Light Jar

A gentle sensory project to honour the stars.

You’ll need:

• Clean jar with lid
• Battery-operated fairy lights
• Star stickers or cut-outs

Steps:

1. Place fairy lights inside the jar.
2. Let your child decorate the outside with star stickers.
3. Close the lid and turn on the lights for a soft glow.

Source: Paitu

5. Name the Matariki Stars Game

Learn the nine whetū in a fun interactive way.

You’ll need:

• A device with internet access

Steps:

1. Visit Name the Stars.
2. Play along with your child, saying each star’s name aloud.
3. Repeat over the week to help the names stick.

Source: Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

6. Nature Walk and Star Hunt

Connect with the land while looking for star shapes.

You’ll need:

• A bag or basket
• Open space or garden

Steps:

1. Head out for a short walk.
2. Collect leaves, stones or flowers.
3. See if any shapes resemble stars.
4. Bring treasures home to make natural star art.

Source: Matariki.co.nz

7. Starry Sky Collage

Make your own night sky at home.

You’ll need:

• Black or dark blue paper
• Star cut-outs or stickers
• Glue or double-sided tape

Steps:

1. Use black paper as your sky backdrop.
2. Stick stars to represent the Matariki cluster.
3. Add clouds with cotton balls if you like.
4. Display somewhere special.

Source: Matariki.co.nz

8. Matariki Breakfast Celebration

Start the day with a shared kai and kōrero.

You’ll need:

• Breakfast of your choice
• Time to sit together

Steps:

1. Involve tamariki in preparing breakfast.
2. Set the table and eat together with no rush.
3. Talk about what you’re grateful for or hope for in the new year.

Source: Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

9. Matariki Waiata Time

Introduce simple te reo Māori songs.

You’ll need:

• Lyrics or video link
• Quiet space for singing

Steps:

1. Choose a waiata such as “Ngā Tamariki o Matariki”.
2. Play the song and sing along with your child.
3. Repeat a few times over the weekend to help them remember the words.

Source: Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

10. Night-Time Star Spotting

If you’re up before sunrise, try finding Matariki in the eastern sky.

You’ll need:

• Warm clothes
• A clear morning sky

Steps:

1. Wake early and go outside before sunrise.
2. Look low on the eastern horizon for a tight star cluster.
3. Even if you don’t spot it, enjoy the morning stillness together.

Source: Matariki.co.nz

Ngā Mihi o te Tau Hou Māori

Celebrating Matariki with tamariki doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s baking, crafting or sharing stories, these small acts of connection are what this season is all about.

From our whānau to yours, we wish you a meaningful and magical Matariki.