Matariki & Puanga

Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleides cluster of stars that rises in midwinter, and Puanga the star Rigel of the Orion constellation, each heralding the new year of the Māori lunar calendar. Get amongst the activities below to incorporate digital technologies education in your celebration of Matariki & Puanga this year!

2024

Public Holiday — Friday 28 June (Korekore whakapiri)

Tangaroa Lunar Period

Tangaroa-ā-mua — Saturday 29 June

Tangaroa-ā-roto — Sunday 30 June

Tangaroa whakapau — Monday 1 July

Tangaroa whāriki kiokio — Tuesday 2 July

  • 3D Map of Matariki Stars (Tinkercad)

    A programming and design activity to create a 3D scale model of the Matariki cluster, linking maths, coding and digital design with the Māori New Year.

    Let's Go!

  • Capturing the Night Sky (Photography)

    Practise adjusting your device settings, experiment with stability and timing your shot, and capture you own stunning images of the night sky!

    Let's Go!

  • Navigating the Matariki Star Cluster (Bee/Blue-Bots)

    Get to know the nine stars of Matariki by using basic programming to navigate Bee/Blue-Bots around a creative floor grid.

    Let's Go!

  • Searching the Stars (Authentic Contexts Online)

    Practise using online tools to explore an interactive simluation of the sky, and connect with Matariki and Puanga in your local environment.

    Let's Go!

  • Extension: Matariki

    With ‘Interactive Display Board’, create a presentation with conductive points and sound recordings on the Matariki star cluster.

    Let's Go!

  • Virtual Presentation: Matariki

    Create a program with interactive sound recordings, based on research about the stars of the Matariki cluster.

    Let's Go!

  • Navigate the Cluster with Code (Sphero)

    Use Sphero bots to explore the stars of Matariki and Puanga, map them on the floor, and visit each one to learn more about them.

    Let's Go!

  • Matariki: Star Map (ScratchJr)

    In Scratch Jr, create an interactive map of the Matariki star cluster using animation and sound to identify the stars by recording their names.

    Let's Go!

  • Matariki: Twinkling Stars (ScratchJr)

    In Scratch Jr, learn about te kāhui o Matariki, the constellation of Matariki, and program the stars to twinkle and show their names.

    Let's Go!

  • Matariki: Animation & Sound (micro:bit)

    Help introduce basic functions of the BBC micro:bit and skills with Microsoft MakeCode to create a multimedia Matariki celebration.

    Let's Go!

  • Moonhack: Matariki

    In Scratch, make an interactive animation that tells the story of Matariki and Puanga. Available in both te reo Māori and English.

    Let's Go!

  • E haere ake nei...

    Watch this space for more fun, creative projects connecting Matariki and Puanga knowledge and celebrations with DT&HM learning!

    Coming Soon!

Links and Resources

  • Matariki (Te Papa)

    A page of resources about Matariki, the Māori New Year, from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

    Check it out!

  • Mānawatia a Matariki

    A hub of information and resources around Matariki, powered by Manatū Taonga and Te Māngai Pāho.

    Check it out!

  • Puanga (ki Whanganui)

    A hub of information and resources about Puanga, powered by local community organisations of the Whanganui region.

    Check it out!

  • Matariki and Puanga

    Information and media on Puanga and how it differs and connects with Matariki, provided by Che Wilson.

    Check it out!