He Mahinga Kai, He Mahinga Tāngata Gather food, gather people

This Matariki, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s cultural institutions come together to share the stars

Six of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s leading cultural organisations have collaborated to bring schools a suite of Matariki education programmes – each one rooted in te ao Māori and woven around the nine whetū of the Matariki cluster. Consider one, several or all to give your tamariki a truly connected journey through the stars!

Explore the suite and book your school’s EOTC experience today

Each programme has been developed independently but speaks to a shared kaupeka – a unified season of learning that honours Matariki as a time of reflection, connection and growth. From ECE to Years 0-8 and beyond, there’s a programme designed for your ākonga. Click through to discover what we are offering this Matariki season: Auckland War Memorial Museum, MOTAT, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Te Whatu Stardome, Auckland Zoo.

Matariki at MOTAT

Matariki marks a time of renewal, reflection, and growth. Traditionally, Māori communities used the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the Aotearoa sky as a signal to prepare and plant crops for the coming season. Celebrations often include gathering with whānau, sharing kai, and giving thanks to the gods for a bountiful harvest.

This programme content includes the migration of Pacific people to Aotearoa and the resources both brought with and found here, methods of hunting and gathering and plants used for food and medicine, tools for gardening and storage techniques. Students will use various materials to design a pātaka storehouse, along with other games and learning activities.

Time: 45 Mins
Year level: 0 - 8