He Hononga Whetū: Kemu Matariki
Download a free set of cards to help learners explore the whetū (stars) of Matariki and their associated domains through play, discussion, and inquiry.
Learning resource
The Arts – Visual Arts: Creative Expression using the He Hononga Whetū resource
Learning areas and strands
Developing ideas, symbolism, and visual communication, Years 1–6
Education type
Learning resource
Creative Process
Step 1: Observe
Learners closely examine:
A chosen whetū card
The related hononga kupu
Colours, patterns, and kōwhaiwhai elements
Teachers may prompt discussion around:
What the whetū represents
What ideas or associations come from the hononga words
Step 2: Plan an Artwork
Learners select a whetū and use the hononga kupu to guide their ideas.
Planning prompts may include:
What ideas or concepts are connected to this whetū?
What symbols could represent these ideas?
What colours, shapes, or patterns feel appropriate?
Learners may:
Sketch initial ideas
Gather visual inspiration (books, images, or digital tools)
Discuss or brainstorm ideas before creating
Step 3: Create
Learners choose a medium to create their artwork, such as:
Painting
Collage
Digital art
Printmaking
Pattern design inspired by kōwhaiwhai
Step 4: Reflect and Share
Learners add a short spoken or written explanation to accompany their artwork, explaining:
The ideas or meanings they wanted to show
How their artwork connects to the whetū and hononga
What they learned through the creative process
Learning Outcomes
Learners will be able to:
Express ideas and cultural understanding through visual art
Explain the connection between their artwork, the hononga, and the chosen whetū
Reflect on their creative choices and learning process.
Donate
If you enjoy our free resources and would like to contribute to their creation, you are welcome to make a donation.
You might also like
Te reo Māori: Developing oral language using the He Hononga Whetū resource
To support learners to hear, see, say, and understand te reo Māori through the context of Matariki. Learners are introduced to new vocabulary using whetū and hononga cards, supported by visual cues, oral repetition, and simple sentence use.
Learning resource
Literacy & Social Sciences: Inquiry learning using the He Hononga Whetū resource
To develop inquiry skills, critical thinking, and mātauranga Māori by exploring how Matariki connects to people, place, food systems, and relationships with the environment. Learners investigate these connections using whetū and hononga cards, drawing on both mātauranga Māori and contemporary perspectives.
Learning resource