Featuring Bayswater School, Auckland.

As the stars of Matariki return to the midwinter sky, kura across Aotearoa come together to reflect, remember, and look ahead with hope. For many, it’s also a chance for ākonga to take the lead — exploring the meaning of Matariki through learning, creativity, and connection. But how can schools ensure that these celebrations are not only rich in student voice, but also grounded in cultural respect and community partnerships?

To explore this, we spoke with Jo Rea, a kaiako at Bayswater School, about how her school embraces Matariki through collaborative planning, authentic practices, and whānau involvement.

How are students involved in planning and participating in your school’s Matariki celebrations?

It is a full Matariki festival with kapahaka performances, Kai stalls, craft and market (donated toys, books and games) and finally the mighty bonfire. Our whole community is involved. This year we are adding an Augmented Reality (AR) Art trail – a way of bringing together the traditional with the modern. As part of our STEAM program, students developed their understanding of how AR worked and explored different types of AR tech. Tamariki then created their own, Year 4-6 designed posters to represent each of the Matariki stars and their special gifts. After scanning the poster to create a digital copy, they then overlayed animated images on Canva Edu. The static trigger image and animated GIF was then downloaded from Canva and uploaded to EyeJack creator. One artist was then chosen to represent each star. These were printed on corflute and displayed around the school grounds in the matariki constellation pattern for visitors to find and scan. After the festival, Devonport Library proudly displayed the AR art so that the wider community could view them. 

What role does the local community, including whānau and iwi, play in your Matariki events?

Everything. They run the whole event. We are incredibly lucky to have amazing community commitment and engagement from our whānau group! The event is proudly sponsored by the Te Kaunihera Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) For weeks, our whānau group worked tirelessly to make sure every part of this amazing event ran smoothly. And, the whānau group were the loudest supporters of all the kapahaka groups. 

What are some of the key traditions or activities your school includes in the celebration, and why were these chosen?

Carefully considered activities to honour all the matariki stars special gifts. Other traditions that we observe and celebrate with the students are:

• Kapahaka performances from most of the nearby schools.
• Aspiration station, write your aspirations for the year to go in the bonfire.
• Memory fountain – write a name, or bring a photo of someone that has passed for us to honour them.
• Kai area (hosted by our whānau) – sausages, sweet and savoury baking, chop suey, Island curry, Hangi, soup, hot chips, ice cream, hot and cold drinks plus more. 
• A market selling toys and crafts.
• A dining room with a vibe to chill.
• A craft station learning about māori traditions and Matariki.
• An augmented reality star art scavenger hunt around the school.
• Decorations created by the tamariki of Bayswater to celebrate all aspects of tikanga Māori, from manu tukutuku made of toi toi adorning the stage to pou of ngā atua based on Rewiti Arapere’s pou. 
• A bonfire at the conclusion of the festival.

How do you ensure that Matariki is celebrated in a culturally respectful and authentic way?

The whānau group holds strong Māori perspectives and connections to the navy marae in Devonport. Students went there for a school trip earlier in the term.  Bayswater School integrates te ao Māori across all learning. For example, students explored local symbols and icons through a Māori lens as their inquiry (this was a focus on their Marae trip). This then led into developing maquettes of pou that tell the story of “who we are”. It’s now the end of the term, post-Matariki, and each class is adding the final touches on their unique pou. 

Bayswater School, situated in the coastal suburb of Bayswater on Auckland’s North Shore, has a rich connection to the local maritime heritage, particularly through its association with the nearby Devonport Naval Base. Established in 1953, the school serves as a central hub for the community, many of whom are affiliated with the Royal New Zealand Navy. 

What is the desired outcome or purpose of your school’s Matariki celebration, for students, staff, and the wider community?

The purpose of this event is about coming together to reflect and celebrate. Making a profit is not a priority — it’s about shared experiences, not sales. Just an opportunity to come together and be inclusive of all, where every voice is valued and everyone has a place. It’s a time to strengthen connections, honour diverse contributions, and create space for meaningful participation.

Final Thoughts: Best Practice in Action

The Bayswater School Matariki celebration is a vibrant reflection of student creativity, cultural learning, and deep community involvement. Through meaningful technological projects like the Augmented Reality art trail, ākonga take the lead in honouring the stories and values of Matariki in innovative and authentic ways. Supported by their dedicated whānau group and wider community, the festival creates a space where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s not about profit — it’s about connection, reflection, and celebrating the gifts each of us brings to the new year.

Ngā mihi nui to Bayswater School for sharing their story and helping pave the way for schools across Aotearoa to honour Matariki with authenticity and heart.