Books: Matariki Themes
Books suitable for exploring units around Matariki.
How My Koro Became a Star
Source: Dunedin Public Library
ISBN-13 9781775506935
Publisher Huia Publishers
Published 31 May 2022
Author(s) By Te Paa, Brianne
Illustrated by Morehouse, Hemi
This is a wonderful book for really appreciating the true meaning of Matariki. It talks of loss, of the meaning behind the stars, how we can honour our ancestors, and the importance of whanau. It does have a lot of te reo Māori terms, so non-speakers might want to practice before reading aloud. Younger listeners might find it a little complicated.
The Seven Kites of Matariki
Source: Massey University Library
ISBN-13 9781775434016
Publisher Scholastic New Zealand Limited
Published 1 May 2018
Publication Country New Zealand
Format Paperback
Author(s) By McClintock, Calico
Illustrated by Ford, Dominique
Beautiful illustrations and lovely book that touches on the tradition of making kites for Matariki – but doesn’t really explain why kites are made, and implies that the kites become the seven stars. Better used as a nice story that steps into a unit that explores Matariki than as a standalone resource.
The Seven Starts of Matariki
Source: Massey University Library
By (author) Toni Rolleston-Cummins
Illustrated by Nikki Slade-Robinson
Publication date 30 Jun 2009
Publisher Huia Publishers
Publication City/Country Wellington, New Zealand
Language English
ISBN10 1869693272
ISBN13 9781869693275
The Stolen Stars of Matariki
Source: Massey University Library
ISBN-13 9781775435341
Publisher Scholastic New Zealand Limited
Imprint Scholastic New Zealand
Published 1 May 2018
Publication Country New Zealand
Format Paperback
Author(s) By Kamo, Miriama
Illustrated by Waipara, Zak
Celebrating Matariki
Source: Massey University Library
Publication date: 01 May 2006
ISBN : 9781869484439
Publisher: Raupo Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Authors: Libby Hakaraia
This has some great scientific information, as well as sharing tikanga around celebrating Matariki. There are a lot of different activities, including recipes for Matariki celebrations, but doesn’t really include the “why” (for example, the recipes are great, but there isn’t much discussion around the tikanga this involves). Their is a CD that includes songs, and overall is a good overview of the te ao Māori celebration of Matariki, but only as a starting point before going further in-depth using other resources.