Matariki is a special time in Aotearoa. It’s a season for reflection, connection, celebration and new beginnings. For tamariki, it is also a wonderful opportunity to slow down, spend time together as whānau and explore the beauty of nature, storytelling and creativity.
At Puanga Kakaho, we value meaningful learning experiences that nurture curiosity, imagination, relationships and connection with the natural world. Our philosophy embraces child-led exploration, beauty in the environment and strong partnerships with whānau.
If you are looking for simple ways to celebrate Matariki at home this year, here are some fun and meaningful activities to enjoy together with your tamariki.
Go Stargazing Together
One of the most magical ways to celebrate Matariki is by looking up at the night sky together.
Wrap up warm, grab a blanket and head outside to see if you can spot the Matariki star cluster. Even if tamariki are too young to identify the stars themselves, the experience of slowing down, looking skyward and talking together can feel very special.
You could:
- Talk about why the stars are important in Māori culture
- Share stories or memories together
- Wonder about space, nature and the changing seasons
- Let children ask questions and explore their curiosity
For young children, the sense of wonder is often more important than getting all the facts right.
Create Matariki-Inspired Art
Creative activities are a beautiful way for tamariki to explore ideas and express themselves.
Some simple Matariki craft ideas include:
- Painting stars with sponges or fingers
- Making lanterns or paper stars
- Creating a tree of remembrance image using leaves and sticks
- Drawing the night sky
- Using loose parts to create star patterns
At Puanga Kakaho, we believe children thrive in environments of beauty, creativity and open-ended exploration. Using natural and recycled materials encourages imagination while helping children connect with the world around them.
Cook And Share A Special Meal
Traditionally, Matariki was a time for gathering together and sharing kai after the harvest season. Cooking together can be a lovely way to involve tamariki in the celebration at home. It doesn’t need to be complicated. Tamariki simply enjoy being included.
Ideas might include:
- Making soup together on a cold winter day
- Baking bread or muffins
- Sharing a family dinner by candlelight
- Talking about favourite family recipes
- Preparing vegetables from the garden
These moments help create connection, conversation and lasting memories.
Plant Something For The Future
Matariki is often associated with new beginnings and looking ahead to the future, making it the perfect time to plant something together.
This could be…
- Winter vegetables
- Herbs in pots
- Native plants
- Flowers for bees and butterflies
Gardening helps children learn patience, responsibility and care for the environment. It also encourages sensory exploration and hands-on learning.
At Puanga Kakaho, nature and outdoor exploration are an important part of our philosophy, with tamariki encouraged to connect with and care for the world around them.
Share Stories And Memories
Matariki is a time for reflection and remembering those who came before us. For tamariki, this might simply mean:
- Looking through family photos
- Sharing funny stories from when parents or grandparents were little
- Talking about special people in their lives
- Remembering pets or loved ones
- Discussing happy memories together
These conversations help children develop a sense of identity, belonging and connection to whānau.
Practice Gratitude Together
Matariki is also a wonderful opportunity to encourage gratitude and kindness.
Simple ideas include:
- Asking tamariki what made them happy this year
- Talking about things they are thankful for
- Writing or drawing kind messages for friends or family
- Creating a gratitude jar together
- Doing a small act of kindness for someone else
These activities help support emotional wellbeing and encourage empathy from an early age.
Embrace Slow, Meaningful Moments
One of the most important things about Matariki is not how much you do. It’s how you spend time together.
Children don’t need elaborate activities or perfectly planned experiences. Often, the most meaningful moments are the quiet, simple ones, like…
- Sharing stories
- Exploring outdoors
- Cooking together
- Watching the stars
- Laughing as a whānau
At Puanga Kakaho, we believe relationships, belonging and connection are at the heart of meaningful learning experiences for tamariki.
Celebrating Matariki Together
Matariki is a beautiful reminder to pause, reconnect and celebrate both where we have come from and where we are going. Whether your whānau celebrates with crafts, storytelling, gardening, shared kai or simply spending time together, these experiences help create meaningful memories and strengthen children’s connection to culture, community and the natural world.
From all of us at Puanga Kakaho, we wish you a warm, joyful and meaningful Matariki with your loved ones.