Te Ono Omatariki
There are many legends about the star cluster Matariki. One of the most popular is that the star Matariki is the whaea (mother), surrounded by her six daughters, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waipunarangi, Waiti and Waita, and Ururangi.
In this imaginative illustration publication, these sisters and their mother are reimagined into the future.
2019
digital painting 297 x 420
She is the eldest of Matariki’s daughters. She spends her time with Papatuanuku tending to plants. She pays special attention to making sure they have everything they need to grow big and strong so they can produce kai (food), rongoa (medicine), and kakahu (clothing materials). She will always take care of all her little sisters, making sure they do things correctly when their mother isn’t around.
When we see her shining in the sky, we are reminded that we all have our own special time and place, and to spend time growing our strengths, as well as that of our friends.
2019
digital painting 297 x 420
Tupu-a-rangi loves to sing. Papatuanuku takes her to sing for te wao nui (great forests), and all the children of Tanemahuta. Her beautiful voice revives the forest and all the other creatures, including the manu (birds), and mokomoko (lizards). They share their waiata (song), which fills the world with joy. She learns these songs and holds them close to her heart.
We learn from her the importance of sharing our gifts with others and appreciating those shared with us.
2019
digital painting 297 x 420
Waipunarangi accompanies her grandmother to the waters – the oceans, lakes and rivers – where she prepares the children of Tangaroa god of the sea to feed the people. Papatuanuku also teaches her about how the water that spills down from Ranginui (the sky father) collects together to provide drinking water for the people, animals and plants.
She also watches how the water is evaporated by the heat of Tama-nui-te-ra (sun) into the clouds that cloak Ranginui, so that may rain once again.
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.
2019
digital painting 297 x 420
Waiti and Waita are Matariki’s twins. Papatuanuku knew that they would be able to care for the smallest and fastest of creatures – because they too know about being a team.
Waiti, for example, pollinates all the flowers so that the plants grow, and we have air to breathe. When insects work together, they can do amazing things. Waita builds 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.
2019
digital painting 297 x 420
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 favorite 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.
2019
digital painting 297 x 420
Matariki does what all good mothers (and other caregivers) do – watching over and helping out her tamariki (children). Her children are everything to her, she will do anything to protect them, make sure they all grow up to do their duties well. She is the provider, the protector, and most importantly, their mother.
With her support, encouragement, and supervision, they will be able to do their very best. When we see Matariki shine we are reminded of how important love and care is.
210 × 297 Bi-fold