As the days grow shorter and the nights become longer, we begin to notice the stars appearing earlier in the evening sky. For many families across Aotearoa, this time of year brings an opportunity to pause, reflect, and celebrate Matariki.
At Organic Kids, our Matariki celebration has become a treasured yearly tradition. For seven years, our tamariki, whānau, educators, and past Organic Kids families have gathered together to mark this special occasion in a way that feels meaningful, connected, and authentic.
Matariki is much more than the appearance of a star cluster. It is a time for remembrance, reflection, gratitude, and hope. Traditionally, it is a time to honour those who have passed, celebrate the present with loved ones, and look forward to the year ahead.
The afternoon begins with simple games and opportunities for children to connect and play together. Laughter fills the space as tamariki have fun and enjoy the freedom of being together outdoors.
We then come together to share a Matariki story. Storytelling provides an opportunity to introduce children to the significance of Matariki in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and engaging. Through stories, children begin to understand that Matariki is not only a celebration, but also a time for remembering those who came before us and acknowledging the connections that continue to shape our lives.
As we remember loved ones who are no longer with us, we are reminded that relationships do not simply disappear. They continue to live on in our memories, stories, traditions, and the ways we care for one another. This message is one that children can begin to understand through gentle conversations, shared experiences, and the rituals that bring communities together.
Creativity is woven throughout our celebration. Each year, children are invited to create nature-inspired crafts using clay and star-shaped cutters. Working with natural materials encourages children to slow down, use their hands, and engage their imagination.
This year, tamariki will also be making their own biodegradable newspaper planters before planting sunflower seeds. The act of planting holds a beautiful connection to the spirit of Matariki. Just as our seeds are placed carefully into the soil, we too can plant hopes, dreams, and intentions for the year ahead.
As the afternoon unfolds, we gather together to share warm soup and bread rolls. There is something deeply comforting about sharing food with others. It reminds us that celebration does not need to be elaborate; often, the most meaningful moments are found in simple acts of togetherness.
One of the highlights of our annual gathering is our nature hīkoi. As we wander together through the landscape, children search for a special treasure hidden along the way—a wooden star painted with glow-in-the-dark paint. The excitement and wonder on their faces never fades, no matter how many years we repeat this tradition.
The stars become a keepsake for children to take home, a reminder of the evening, the connections made, and the significance of Matariki. They also serve as a symbol of the stars above us, guiding us to remember the past while looking forward to the future.
In a world that often feels busy and fast-paced, traditions like these provide children with something invaluable: a sense of belonging. Through repeated experiences, children come to understand that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They learn that rituals and celebrations connect us to our communities, our environment, and our shared stories.
For us, Matariki is also a reminder that community is something that grows over time. Each year, we welcome not only our current families but also children and whānau who have been part of Organic Kids throughout the years. Watching former tamariki return, taller than we remember and full of stories of their own, is a powerful reminder that the relationships formed in early childhood can leave a lasting imprint. This year, one of our former tamariki will be celebrating his seventh birthday on the evening of our celebration. Although his younger sister now attends Organic Kids, he is incredibly excited to return for another Matariki celebration. Knowing that this tradition remains a special part of his childhood journey is something we treasure. These returning faces weave together the past and present, creating a rich tapestry of connection that reflects the true spirit of Matariki and reminds us that belonging does not end when children leave our programme—it continues through the memories, relationships, and traditions we share together.
At Organic Kids, our Matariki celebration is not about creating perfect crafts or hosting a grand event. It is about creating moments of connection. It is about gathering together, honouring those who are no longer with us, celebrating the people beside us, and nurturing hope for the future.
As we look to the stars of Matariki each year, we are reminded that some of life’s most meaningful lessons are found in coming together, sharing stories, caring for one another, and taking time to notice the beauty that surrounds us.
Matariki is a time to remember, a time to celebrate, and a time to grow.
Mānawatia a Matariki. Happy Matariki from our Organic Kids whānau to yours.
I don’t know about you, but being outdoors for me brings a sense of peace, a stillness in my busy mind. I have learned to take in my surroundings, notice what I notice, to marvel at nature’s offerings, and feel papatūānuku and her energy radiating up my body. I take a deep breath in .. and a slow breath out. Noticing the sounds that surround me and the scents that envelope me, always in awe of the beauty before me. 
Outdoor learning is a given in our programme now and through some trial and error, have figured out how to layer up for our mornings in a variety of conditions here in Ōtautahi, for the tamariki and for ourselves.
We have been talking with our educators lately about celebrating Kai time with a special ritual. This was firstly introduced at our weekly playgroup with table cloths for the tables and vases with flowers in them. This has followed onto the educators own home programmes with the children setting the table, picking their own flowers and having warm face cloths readily available to wash their hands and face. These careful actions take a humble routine into a scared ritual, honouring the importance of respectful interactions which is at the heart of our practice.
