Matariki is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection, offering a unique opportunity for early childhood education centres to embrace Māori traditions and deepen their understanding of the natural world.

NZTC recognises and celebrates Matariki in accordance with traditional Māori lunar phases, honouring the Tangaroa moon phases as a time to mark the Māori New Year. In 2025, this sacred period falls between June 19 and June 22, when the last quarter moon rises and the Matariki star cluster becomes visible before dawn.

The Tangaroa phases remind us that timing is sacred, observing Matariki at the correct phase reaffirms our respect for tikanga Māori and the rhythms of nature that guide us.

Matariki is not just a seasonal celebration — it is a constellation of values. The nine stars of Matariki each represent an element of the natural world, from fresh water and rain to food and sky.

NZTC acknowledges that tikanga associated with Matariki and other significant celestial markers, such as Puanga, Atutahi, and Rehua vary across iwi and hapū and encourages early childhood education (ECE) centres across Aotearoa to embrace Matariki as a meaningful cultural learning opportunity. Through engaging with local knowledge and traditions, storytelling, art, waiata (songs), and environmental activities, ECE learners can engage deeply with Māori traditions while fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit.

Here are some ways to incorporate Matariki into your ECE classroom:

Pūrākau me ngā pakiwaitara: Sharing traditional narratives and stories about Matariki helps children connect with the cultural significance of the celebration

Mahi Toi: Encouraging children to create star-themed artwork or crafts inspired by Matariki fosters creativity and appreciation for Māori traditions. 

Te Taiao me te kaitiakitanga: Teaching children about planting and harvesting aligns with the themes of renewal and environmental responsibility central to Matariki. This is also a time to connect with the natural world—how do the crisp winter mornings feel? What changes can be seen in the trees, plants, and waterways? Are certain birds more active, or do insects behave differently? By noticing these seasonal shifts, tamariki can deepen their understanding of the environment and their role as kaitiaki. 

Haka me te waiata: Incorporating waiata (songs) and kapa haka (performance) allows children to engage with Māori culture in an interactive and joyful way. 

Whanaungatanga me te manaakitanga: Hosting Matariki celebrations where families come together to share food and stories strengthens the sense of belonging and connection. 

By embracing Matariki in ECE learning centres, teachers can create meaningful learning experiences that celebrate Māori culture, encourage environmental responsibility, and foster a strong sense of community among young learners.