Matariki: A Maori Celebration

For homework this fornight, we have to research about Matariki. I can guess what a few of you would be thinking...
"Uhh..." and tapping their temples,
or
"Hmm..." and scratching their heads,
or maybe even
"What the heck is Matariki?" and raising an eyebrow.
A few might look it up in a normal dictionary, but not everyone would use a Maori dictionary. Some might not even pronounce Matariki correctly.

Anyway, I shouldn't keep you wondering for long. Here are a few information to help you understand Matariki.

Matariki...what is it?

It is a star cluster named Pleiades or The Seven Sisters. It is also referred to as the Maori New Year in which crops and trees are harvested and replanted. This symbolises a new beginning. It is also seen as a good time to learn about the land we live on and remember our ancestors and the legacy they left behind. Maoris also give ceremonial offerings to the land-based gods: Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure good crops for the coming year.

I hope that helps. For more information, read the poster bellow:

2010's Fifa World Cup: Who do you vote for?

2010's Fifa World Cup is held in Capetown, South Africa. Over 30 teams made it in, and we New Zealanders (or people voting for NZ) are proud to hear that the All Whites got in.

These are the participating teams:

• Algeria


• Argentina


• Australia


• Brazil


• Cameroon


• Chile


• Cote d'Ivoire


• Denmark


• England


• France


• Germany


• Ghana


• Greece


• Honduras


• Italy


• Korea DPR


• Korea Republic


• Mexico


• Netherlands


• New Zealand


• Nigeria


• Paraguay


• Portugal


• Serbia


• Slovakia


• Slovenia


• South Africa


• Spain


• Switzerland


• Uruguay


• USA

So many teams...31 teams! Now that you know the countries, who do you vote for? Why? Post your opinions.

The All Whites

This is the All Whites Crew:

Goal Keepers-

• Mark PASTON 1


• Glen MOSS 12


• James BANATYNE 23

Defenders-

• Ben SIGMUND 2


• Tony LOCHHEAD 3


• Winston REID 4


• Ivan VICELICH 5


• Ryan Nelsen 6


• Andy BOYENS 18

Midfielders-

• Tony SMITH 19


• Simon ELLIOTT 7


• Tim BROWN 8


• Leo BERTOS 11


• Andy BARRON 13


• Michael McGLINCHY 15


• Aaron CLAPHAM 16

Forwards-

• Dave MULLIGAN 17
• Shane SMELTZ 9
• Jeremy CHRISTIE 21

Coach-

• Riki HERBERT

My Opinion:

The All Whites did well, but it is quite obvious that they won't win. It has been fun watcing the All Whites win, lose or draw. Better luck next time.