Celebrating Matariki Through Harakeke Weaving

Celebrating Matariki Through Harakeke Weaving

July 2026

Over the past couple of weeks at Gulf Harbour Preschool, we have been celebrating Matariki by exploring the traditional art of weaving with harakeke (flax). It has been wonderful watching you develop your confidence and skills as you discovered the many ways flax can be used, looking around the centre at the flax baskets and borders that have been created in years gone by.

You eagerly joined in as we practised weaving with flax, carefully learning to place each strip under, over, under, over. At first, this took a lot of concentration, but with practice you began to recognise the pattern and became more confident in your weaving. It was lovely to see you persevere, ask questions, and celebrate your successes of seeing the pattern come together

As our learning continued, you explored making flax plaits, discovering how crossing the strands in the correct order created a strong and beautiful pattern. You were developing your understanding of sequencing and repeating patterns while strengthening the small muscles in your hands and fingers. These experiences also supported your early mathematical thinking as you recognised order, pattern, and direction.

Throughout our Matariki celebrations, we talked about the importance of harakeke and how it has been used for generations to create useful and beautiful baskets and art.

It has been wonderful watching your confidence grow over these past weeks. You have shown patience, perseverance, curiosity, and pride in your art.

Ka pai! It has been a joy to watch you grow in confidence and skill as you explored the beautiful traditions of Matariki through weaving with harakeke.

Mana Whenua  Belonging: You strengthened your understanding of the traditions and cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand through our Matariki celebrations.

Kerryn x

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