The Eyes of the Ariki - A Mataariki story by Room12 based on a traditional Maori legend

There are many stories about Mataariki - this is but one. We performed this story at assembly after reading and watching clips about Mataariki last week.

Once upon a time there was only darkness, nothing but night time.
And in this darkness two being lay together.
Ranginui the Sky Father and Papatuanuku the Earth Mother.
They had children.
And for a time all was good.
But the children started growing.
They were restless and fidgety.
They started arguing.
They felt trapped and wanted space to move.
The parents woke up.
Someone was pushing them.
It was Tane Mahuta their son.
Until finally Tane had separated his parents.
The children were free at last.
And Rangi was so sad, he cried.
But someone else was sad too.
Tawhiri, god of the wind and storms, felt sad for his parents. He started crying.
But his tears were lightening.
And he threw his tears to the heavens.
His tears became stars and some people call these stars Mataariki.

Click here to view the Vimeo of us at Assembly - Password Mia26