Matariki Magic - Gems Night Nature Play 2020 - Morgan Clode

t’s that time of year, a special time on Gems calendar and a special time in New Zealand Maori culture. As the Matariki constellation appears in the early morning sky, we are reminded of the traditions of Maori culture and commence the celebrations of Maori New Year.

Traditionally the appearance of Matariki was used as a reminder to harvest crops before the harsh winter weather and viewed as a symbol of new beginnings. Whanau would gather to feast and celebrate in their tribes and reflect on the year that has passed and set goals for the year to come.  

At Gem’s Nature Play we celebrate the rich history of New Zealand’s Maori culture by acknowledging, educating, and adapting our own special traditions that reflect the Gems culture. Together as our tribe of Kaiako (teachers), tamariki (children) & whanau (family) we gather at our special place, Nature Play, for an evening of connection with our people, our place, and our culture.  

The weeks before we gather involve prior learning about Matariki through storytelling, books and Matariki kite making, which builds excitement on top of understanding of culture. We learn about nocturnal creatures of the night and discuss what we might see in the night. After sharing these with whanau and reminding ourselves what to look for, we head out into the night, torches bright.  

Our hikoi (walk) takes us for a loop around the farm, past the sleepy chickens, over a fence, into a glow worm cave (lovingly made with glow sticks) and into the darkness where the tamariki discover some real Matariki magic… In the distance tamariki notice some lights twinkling and dancing in the night sky. As we approach nearer you hear “oh my goodness, it’s a unicorn!” from one of the children. They gather around in awe, filled with joy, experiencing what is true childhood innocence as their wildest imaginations come to life. We decide to take Charlie Unicorn back with us to the farm shed for more cuddles and pats, and our hikoi back to the shed begins.  

We get to the middle of the paddock where it is open, fresh and the sky is perfectly clear. We stop here for a moment and take some time to switch off our torches and look up. The night sky has put on a beautiful scene for us tonight, and we spot the southern cross, and the pot/Orion’s belt and a beautiful bright waning crescent moon. Although the mountain ranges that surround us prevent us from seeing Matariki from Queenstown, we loved looking at all the stars that were clear and bright.  

Upon returning to the farm shed, whanau are invited to enjoy some shared kai with a kiwi BBQ, hot kumara and pumpkin soup, hot chocolate for the children and warm mulled wine for the grownups. While we chatted, shared stories, and strengthened our relationships with one another whanau and tamariki added a Matariki Wishing Star to our wall of wishes, helping their child set a goal for the year to come.  

This annual event sure is special and is remembered from all involved for years to come.  

A big thank you to our special Gems tribe; kaiako, tamariki & whanau!  

Warm wishes, Morgan

‍