Little Kiwis Matariki

Kia ora e hoa,

Today you created the most beautiful Matariki artwork, and I loved watching each thoughtful step you took. You began with the sky, choosing a soft blue paint and a big fan brush. With long, gentle strokes, you brushed the colour across your page until it looked wispy and light, almost like early‑morning clouds drifting across the sky. You took such care, and it made the perfect backdrop for your Matariki scene.

Next, you worked on the grass. You painted tall, straight strokes downward to make the blades of grass, then added swirly koru shapes curling up from the ground. You used three different shades of green paint, and the way you blended them together made your grass look lifelike. I could see how focused you were, selecting the shade of colour and carefully forming each koru shape.

Then came your favourite part, making your little kiwi! You used a round sponge to press down the kiwi’s body, making a perfect circle. After that, you used a smaller sponge to make his sweet little head. You giggled when you saw how round and cute he looked. Once the paint had dried a little, you picked up the yellow paint and carefully added his beak and two tiny legs. Suddenly, your kiwi looked ready to explore the night.

For the final touch, you created nine Matariki stars. You dipped your cut‑up straw into the paint and pressed it onto the sky, making perfect little stars. Each one represented a star in the Matariki cluster. Sue and Paris sprinkled a little gold glitter over your stars, and they sparkled beautifully against your wispy blue sky. When you hung your artwork up to dry, it shimmered like a real Matariki night.

Earlier, many of you didn’t know much about the kiwi bird or the Matariki stars. But after we read Little Kiwi Matariki by Nikki Slade Robinson, you were so inspired. You remembered the kiwi in the story and wanted to include him in your painting. Your artwork shows how stories can spark new ideas and help us learn about the world around us.

Ka rawe tō mahi. Your Matariki painting is full of creativity, care, and meaning. I’m so proud of the way you brought your ideas to life. Love

Sue and Paris xxx

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