We have been learning all about Puanga and Matariki.
In Te Tai Tokerau, Puanga signals the turning of the year – a time of remembrance and reflection, a time to celebrate the present and to plan for the year ahead.
Puanga is the Māori name for the star Rigel in the Orion constellation. Puanga is a star which is seen first in some locations around New Zealand before the cluster of Matariki. This is because Puanga is a 1st magnitude star – meaning it is of the brightest magnitude. The Matariki constellation is a 6th magnitude constellation so it is fainter.
Puanga and Matariki are a time to celebrate the preparation of the māhinga (garden), growing, and harvesting and is also a time for wānanga (learning), reflecting, and sharing hākari (feast) with friends and whānau. We enjoyed a hākari in Te Manga to celebrate Matariki and Puanga. Ngā mihi to Whaea Kiran, Whaea Reyna, Nana Pearl and Nana Angela for helping us on the day and celebrating with us.
Puanga and Matariki are also a time to share pūrākau (stories) with your whānau and friends. The students in the reading group Tikumu read and retold the story of Maui and the Sun.
