Ko Nga Whetu Raupi o Matariki: Ko Pohutukawa raua ko Hiwa-I-Te-Rangi product reviews

It is refreshing to find that versions of this book are published in both languages, Te Reo Maori and English. Since the subject is firmly based in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is important that the story is accessible to all, not only to those for whom Te Reo Maori is their first language, but also to others who are reclaiming their language as part of their identity. As someone who did not speak any Maori before I was twelve years old, I can relate to that - and the joy in rediscovering something that should be there for all those who call Aotearoa their home, no matter when their waka arrived on these shores.

Miss Eleven borrowed the book so she could read it - she was thrilled to find she was able to follow the text without any issues other than one or two words she did not know. Both were in the Rarangi Kupu at the end so she did not need to ask for assistance at all. She loved the way the normally mischievous patupaiarehe were able to stop casting their kupenga raupo into the sky and show their respect for Poua - clearly, they missed him too. They thought it they caught Pohutukawa they would get Poua back as Grandma had said they were together, but that is not how it works! To contact Poua, they must watch together for the Matariki rising, then they can call Poua's name as he journeys up to take his place with the stars. "I ata whai te whanau me nga patupaiarehe I nga mahi kua whakaakona e Grandma. "Poua! Poua!"

This is only one of many Matariki stories but it is a personal favourite. For anyone who has lost someone, it is comforting to know that Pohutukawa is looking after them until the whetu of Matariki are high in the sky. Then he escorts them to their permanent place as stars, able to look down on their whanau and continue to watch over them. Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is the other Matariki whetu raupi. She looks after the living, inspiring them and watching over them as they pursue their aims for the year ahead. Grandma exhorts the children to "me tuku tatou I o tatou tomina mo te tau hou ki a Hiwa-i-te-Rangi".

It is easy to dismiss a story like this as just folklore. But Pohutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi are much more than that; they represent peace of mind, comfort, and hope for the future. Whether or not they are real is a moot point; you have only to look at the Matariki sky to know that the stars are there, a constant in the world today.