Libby Hakaraia,
Celebrating Matariki
Reed Children’s Books (NZ), 2006.

Ages 7-12

Matariki, the Pleiades, Subaru, Verano – these are all names for the same constellation, which is visible in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres – and in New Zealand, it is of particular significance as its rising in June marks the beginning of the Maori New Year.  Libby Hakaraia has gathered together a broad spectrum of information and activities centering on Matariki and its importance in Maori tradition; and by focussing on the one constellation, she also provides a tantalising introduction to the night sky as a whole.  There are charts to help budding astronomers to find Matariki and, as an extension to this, there are activities to make a compass, a telescope and a star chart notebook: all uncomplicated but offering scope for immense satisfaction.  There is also a list of Maori planets and constellations with their English equivalents.  Several of these names appear in one legend of how the night sky was created, which is narrated on the accompanying CD.  Unfortunately there is nothing in the book to parallel this, so the names can be quite bewildering for someone unfamiliar with them. The story is also introduced and accompanied all the way through by a repetitive, gimmicky chord — which doesn't exactly add to the experience.

As well as being of legendary significance, Matariki was an important signal for planting, hunting and fishing.  The sense of history and tradition is emphasized in these sections by the inclusion of nineteenth-century photographs.

The last few pages are packed with ideas on how to celebrate the Maori New Year: getting up before dawn to see Matariki in the sky; making a Matariki feast (some recipes using traditional Maori kumara or sweet potatoes are provided); reciting your whakapapa or family tree; flying a kite, perhaps making a traditional one or taking part in a competition.  This is also where the songs on the CD come into their own and the lyrics and their translation are provided.

The layout of the book will appeal to youngsters, who will enjoy the brightly colored backgrounds and the short, focused bites of text.  With so much to offer in such a variety of areas – science, history, tradition, language – there is plenty to keep them occupied from one Maori New Year to the next. ‘Matariki/ E ara e’ – Matariki, Arise!

Marjorie Coughlan
July 2006