Matariki explanation

WALT- use visual language features (such as headings charts or maps) to extend or clarify meaning and to engage our audience.
This week we have been learning about Matariki, for writing we had to write an explanation on Matariki. Our success criteria were to use subheadings, text boxes and pictures.
I enjoyed writing my explanation,
I found it tricky to use at least four sentences for each paragraph,
Next time I would use some text boxes,
Enjoy!

                    Matariki

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars in the night sky. It is a sign of the start of the Māori new year. In June and July Matariki will appear in the night sky. During this time the Māori will remember those who have died, spend time with family and friends, enjoy games and kai, and plan for the future.

Our ancestors would look to Matariki to help them with their growing and harvesting of food. In April and May they would preserve their harvest for winter, when Matariki re-appeared in June and July they would read the stars to predict what the coming winter would be like. If the stars were clear winter would be warm. If they were hazy, winter would be cold.

How many stars are in the cluster of Matariki?

According to Māori astronomer Dr Rangi Matamua the Matariki cluster has nine stars. The nine stars include: Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. 

The nine stars 

Matariki:

Matariki means the eyes of God. Matariki is the star that represents reflection, hope, our connection with the environment and the meeting of people.

Pōhutukawa:

Pōhutukawa is the star that represents people who have died.

Waitī:

Waitī is connected to the fresh water and the sea food that lives in it.                .

Waitā:

Waitā is linked with the ocean and the sea food in it.

Waipuna-ā-Rangi:

Waipuna-ā-Rangi is connected with the rain

Tupuānuku:

Tupuānuku is the star connected with everything that grows in the soil that can be eaten

Ururangi:

Ururangi is the star linked with the winds

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi:

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is the star who grants our wishes