LATEST STORIES
Matariki celebrations at BestStart Greenwood Street!
![172222683920240627_171510[1] (Small).jpg](/images/20240627-1715101-small-ezvuz.jpg?v=1)
![1722226839Screenshot_20240705_110401_Gallery[1] (Small).jpg](/images/screenshot-20240705-110401-gallery1-small-rs1o1.jpg?v=1)
![1722226839Screenshot_20240705_114349_Gallery[1] (Small).jpg](/images/screenshot-20240705-114349-gallery1-small-rbzem.jpg?v=1)
Matariki Matariki was celebrated all across the centre. This is the time when we all get together to honor our Treaty and spread the joy of the Māori New Year. Matariki is also underpinned by key values, most significantly: • aroha — love and respect for one another • whakamaharatanga — remembrance
• kotahitanga — unity
• manaakitanga — caring
• tohatoha — sharing
• mana taiao — environmental awareness
• hākari — feasting
• wānanga — discussion
• noho tahi — coming together
• atawhaitanga — kindness
• whakanui — celebrations
• tuakiritanga — identity.
We had shared kai for Matariki which included soups, desserts, hot drinks, fruits, and finger foods. Tamariki in the Kiwi room did born fire and roasted kumaras, marshmallows, and potatoes to celebrate. Babies (Kereru room) and toddlers (Kea room) were involved in their art activities such as painting star shapes then they were made into lantern decorations. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was sung in Te Reo and English in the evening too.
Waiata of different stars were played in rooms daily to help tamariki gain awareness around the names and significance of our Nine Stars. huge room decorations from the Kaiako were created also to celebrate the wonderful season and give tribute to the beautiful galaxy above we have in this season. These are some ideas that can be incorporated into our teaching practice to give recognition to our cultural festival of Aotearoa.