Celebrate Matariki with the whole whānau with these fun activities

Celebrate Matariki with Fun Family Activities

From baking to easy crafts, enjoy a hands-on Matariki celebration with Suzy Cato’s star-studded activities for the whole family.

About Matariki

Matariki, the Māori New Year, will be celebrated with a public holiday. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend a special weekend with your family, learning more about Māori culture, or Māoritanga.

Like many public holidays in New Zealand, Matariki focuses on gathering with family and friends and sharing food. Introduce your family to Kid’s Kai Kart on Māori Television and help your children prepare a meal with a Māori twist.

Learning Opportunities

Matariki offers many avenues for learning. Visit your local library or bookstore for Matariki-themed books for kids. Many libraries also host Matariki activities and events, such as storytime and crafts.

If you have budding astronomers in the family, spend some time stargazing in your backyard or head out of town to avoid light pollution.

Reflect and Set Goals

As Matariki celebrates the Māori New Year, take time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the rest of the year. Make plans and set goals together during this time of new beginnings.

Remember, each of us is a star in our own way. We all shine differently and at different times, and that’s perfectly okay.

Paper Stars

There are many ways to make stars with your family. Here’s a simple paper star craft using:

• Scrap paper
• Wrapping paper
• Fabric
• Tissue
• Cellophane

Steps:

1. Create 8 squares of the same size.
2. Fold two diagonal corners of each square into the middle to make a diamond shape.
3. Apply glue to the bottom right of the unfolded corner of each square.
4. Overlay the diamonds where the glue is applied, so the points of each unfolded corner meet and the edge runs along the center of the diamond below.
5. Repeat until all diamonds are glued into place, leaving you with an 8-pointed star.

Star Cookies

Use this recipe to make biscuits for nearly every celebration.

Ingredients:

• 125g softened butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup or honey
• 1 1/2 cups flour (add more if using gluten-free flour)
• Crushed boiled candies

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Beat butter, sugar, egg, and syrup (or honey) until creamy. Stir in the sifted flour, mixing until just combined.
3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it’s 3mm thick. Cut into circles, then cut out small star shapes within each circle.
4. Place the cookies onto a baking tray lined with baking paper and fill each star shape with crushed candies.
5. Bake until lightly golden and the candy crumbs have melted. Leave to cool on the tray until the candy centers set.