Matariki is a special time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. It is also a great time to connect with te taiao and the many living taoka species that share our world.

During the first week of the school holidays, join the Orokonui Education Team for this two-hour hands-on guided school holiday session and discover how kā whetū (the stars) of Matariki connect with the natural world. Meet some of the “stars” of Orokonui and learn how people have looked to the stars and the environment for knowledge, guidance, and wellbeing for generations.

During these school holidays, Orokonui Ecosanctuary is running its a new school holiday programme centred around the connection between Puaka Matariki and our natural environment. This programme is designed for 7-13 year olds and will give participants an opportunity to explore the sanctuary and our work, while learning more about how the stars and seasons play a role in our knowledge and work.

Participants must be accompanied by a supervising adult while at Orokonui. Minimum ratio of one adult for three kids applies.