animal classifacation

Maths

Matariki and all of the stars.

Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of stars also known as the pleiades. It rises in the mid winter and for many Maori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki literally means eyes of gods(Mata ariki) or Little Eyes(matariki). The names of all the 7 stars are Tupu a Rangi(sky tohunga) Waipuna rangi(sky spring), Tupu a nuku(Tupu-ā-nuku is the eldest of Matariki’s daughters. She spends her time with Papatūānuku tending to the different growing plants), Uru rangi(Ururangi reminds us that a good attitude is always key to success), Waiti and Waita(When we see these two stars in the sky, we are encouraged to join in and support each other). The End.

Korowai and what it is.

A korowai is a Maori Cloak which is decorated with flax tassels(hukahuka) and other important recognitions. The Cloak is finely woven with muka tassels, Hukahuka is made by the Miro or twist thread process of dying the Muka(flax fibre) and rolling two bundles into a single cord which is then woven into the body of the Cloak. The korowai is mainly used for a mantle of prestige and honor, they are also used for graduations and wedding! Did you know a full size properly woven Korowai can take up to an amazing 4-12 months to even make!

Matariki and the seven sisters

Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of stars also known as the pleides. It rises in the mid winter and for many Maori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki litterally means eyes of gods(Mata ariki) or little eyes(mata riki). The names of all the 7 stars are Tupu a Rangi(sky tohunga) Waipunu a rangi(sky spring), Tupu a nuku(Tupu-ā-nuku is the eldest of Matariki’s daughters. She spends her time with Papatūānuku tending to the different growing plants), Uru rangi(Ururangi reminds us that a good attitude is always key to success), Waiti and Waita(When we see these two stars in the sky, we are encouraged to join in and support each other).