Free Matariki Resources
About Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is providing several free online resources for whānau, schools, and organisations. We hope they will not only help people understand more about Matariki but also provide guidance for those eager to observe, commemorate, and celebrate at this special time.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is New Zealand’s largest provider of mātauranga Māori education, offering courses from certificate to Masters level in business, education, social work, toi (arts), te reo and tikanga Māori. Many of our courses have no fees and offer evening classes to suit busy lifestyles.
Our resources are all free to download, but we do hope you leave your contact details so that we can keep you updated about Matariki and other activities at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Featured Programmes at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Resource Pack
The Resource Pack consolidates all of our Matariki resources into one easy downloadable package. Each Resource Pack contains:
- Matariki Handbook
- Matariki and Puanga Booklet
- Te Iwa o Matariki Poster (English)
- Te Iwa o Matariki Poster (Māori)
- Matariki Whakapapa Tree Poster
- Matariki and Puanga Poster
- Matariki Puka Ngohe – Colouring & Activity Book
- Gratitude Card
- Planning Card
- Match the Stars print and play game
- Name the Stars print and play activity
- Name the Stars Whakaaro print and play activity
Matariki Handbook
From explanations, ceremonies to Karakia and ideas on how you can observe and participate in the Matariki, this handy booklet will provide a guide. It includes:
- An overview of Matariki
- Te Ritenga – Matariki Ceremony
- What you can do to celebrate Matariki?
- Te umu kohukohu whetū me te hautapu (The ceremonial oven and offerings for Matariki)
Matariki and Puanga Handbook
This booklet outlines some of the similarities and differences between Matariki and Puanga. It discusses:
- The stars that make up Matariki and Puanga and how to find them
- The signs observed in each star system
- The rituals used to celebrate Matariki and Puanga
Te Iwa a Matariki Poster
An introduction of Matariki plus star explanations and important dates for Matariki for the years ahead.
Whakapapa Tree Poster
Visualise your whakapapa with the help of this whakapapa tree poster.
Matariki Puka Ngohe
Colouring & Activity Book
A fun free activity book featuring the stars of Matariki.
Matariki and Puanga Poster
An introduction to Puanga and a guide to find it in the night sky.
Gratitude Card
Matariki is a time for reflection. Use the Gratitude Card to remember the things in your life for which you are thankful.
Planning Card
Matariki is a time for planning for the future. Use the Planning Card to set intentions for the coming year.
Print and Play Activities
If you enjoy the digital games on our Matariki website, now there are printable versions for you to play at home, at mahi, or at kura. Download the answer keys here: Answer Keys
