Tupu-ā-nuku is the eldest of Matariki’s daughters. She spends her time with Papatūānuku tending to plants. She pays special attention to making sure they have everything they need to grow big and strong so they can prouduce kai , rongo, and kākahu. we are reminded that we all have our own special time and place, and to spend time growing our pūkenga as well as that of our friends.
Tupu-ā-rangi loves to sing. Papatūānuku takes her to sing for te wao nui, for te wao nuite wao nui the great forests, and all the children of Tānemahuta. Her beautiful voice revives the forest and all the other creatures, including the manu and mokomoko. They share their waiata, which fills the world with joy. We learn from her the importance of sharing our gifts with others, and appreciating those shared with us.
Waipunarangi accompanies her grandmother to the waters – the oceans, lakes and rivers – where she prepares the children of Tangaroa to feed the people.
Papatūānuku also teaches her about how the water that spills down from Ranginuithe sky father collects together to provide drinking water for the people, animals and plants. Waipunarangi knows that if you give to others, all that kindness will come right back to you, and it is this lesson that she shares with us.
Waitī and Waitā
Waitī and Waitā are Matariki’s twins. Papatūānuku knew that they would be able to care for the smallest and fastest of creatures – because they too know about being a team. When insects work together, they can they can do amazing things. Ngā pī bees, for example, pollinate all the flowers so that the plants grow, and we have air to breathe. Ngā pōpokoriki ants build huge, complicated tunnel cities underneath the ground, and carry many times their body weight.
When we see these two stars in the sky, we are encouraged to join in and support each other.
Ururangi
Ururangi enjoys racing all of her sisters to get to her kuia first. She claims the best spot on her grandmother’s lap and wraps herself in her arms, settling in for her favourite stories. Her tenacity and excitement, along with the awhi hug and her aroha love, helps Papa to get into the right mood after the cold and darkness of takurua winter, to prepare with her older mokopuna grandchildren.
Ururangi reminds us that a good attitude is always key to success.
