Matariki Waiata (Songs)

Matariki waiata are traditional and contemporary Māori songs performed to celebrate the Māori New Year. To download Matariki waiata lyrics, educators and learners can access dedicated cultural education portals like Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI) or copy the texts provided in comprehensive guides below. These resources typically include Te Reo Māori lyrics, English translations, and guitar chords suitable for classroom teaching and community celebrations.

The Significance of Waiata During Matariki

In Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), waiata (songs) are far more than simple entertainment. They are a primary vessel for transmitting knowledge, history, and whakapapa (genealogy). As Aotearoa New Zealand celebrates Matariki, the rising of the Pleiades star cluster, waiata become an essential tool for education and cultural preservation.

When you look to download Matariki waiata lyrics, you are engaging in an act of cultural transmission. These songs often encode the names of the nine stars of Matariki, their specific domains (such as fresh water, salt water, or the harvest), and the aspirations for the year ahead. For teachers and parents, utilizing music is the most effective method to help tamariki (children) memorize these complex cultural concepts while improving their pronunciation of Te Reo Māori.

Top Matariki Waiata for Children & Schools

Selecting the right repertoire is crucial for engaging learners. The best songs for the classroom are those with repetitive melodies, clear enunciation, and actions that reinforce the meaning of the words. Below are the most sought-after waiata for the Matariki season.

1. Ngā Tamariki o Matariki (The Children of Matariki)

This is arguably the most popular educational song for learning the names of the stars. It personifies the stars and often lists them in order. It is upbeat and perfect for young learners.

2. Tirama Tirama Matariki

Often set to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” this variation makes the concept accessible to preschoolers by using a familiar melody to introduce the Māori name for the star cluster.

3. Te Iwa o Matariki

A slightly more advanced song that delves into the nine stars (Te Iwa), acknowledging Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-rangi, which were officially recognized in broader educational curriculums more recently.

Full Lyrics and English Translations

Below, we provide the text for these popular waiata. You can copy these directly to create your own song sheets or projection slides for the classroom. Understanding the translation is vital for conveying the wairua (spirit) of the song.

Song 1: Ngā Tamariki o Matariki (Focus: The Stars)

This simple chant helps memorize the names. Note that different iwi (tribes) may recognize 7 or 9 stars; this version focuses on the widely taught nine.

Song 2: Purea Nei (Focus: Spiritual Cleansing)

While not exclusively a Matariki song, “Purea Nei” (composed by Henare Mahanga) is frequently sung during this period because Matariki is a time of remembrance and spiritual cleansing, releasing the burdens of the past year.

Guitar Chords for Teachers

For educators looking to lead these songs, simplicity is key. Most Matariki waiata can be played with basic open chords: G, C, D, and Em. Below are the chord progressions for the songs listed above.

Chords for “Ngā Tamariki o Matariki”

Strumming Pattern: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up (Island Strum)

[G]
Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi
[C]                    [D]
Tupuanuku, Tupuarangi, Ururangi e
[C]         [D]         [G]      [Em]
Koinei ngā tamariki o Matariki
[C]          [D]            [G]
Ngā whetū e pīataata i te rangi e

Chords for “Purea Nei”

This song is slower and more ballad-like. It requires a gentle strumming pattern to reflect the somber and cleansing nature of the lyrics.

[G]           [C]
Purea nei e te hau
[D]           [G]
Horoia e te ua
[G]       [C]
Whakaioio i te koiora
[D]      [G]
E te iwi e

Where to Stream and Download Audio

While having the lyrics is the first step, hearing the melody and correct pronunciation is essential for respectful performance. The search intent to “download Matariki waiata” often extends to finding audio files for classroom playback. Here are the most authoritative sources:

1. Te Kete Ipurangi (TKI)

The New Zealand Ministry of Education’s portal is the gold standard for teachers. They offer downloadable MP3s, lyric sheets (PDFs), and teaching notes. Search their “Arts Online” or “Te Reo Māori” sections specifically for Matariki collections.

2. Hei Waiata, Hei Whakoako

This is a fantastic resource that pairs catchy tunes with educational content. Many of their tracks are available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which is often more convenient than managing MP3 files.

3. YouTube (Official Channels)

Channels like “Waiata Mai” or general educational channels often feature animated videos with lyrics on screen (Karaoke style). Using a YouTube downloader or simply playing these in class is a great way to engage visual learners.

Tips for Teaching Te Reo Through Song

Successfully integrating Matariki waiata into your curriculum requires more than just hitting “play.” Here is a strategic approach to maximize cultural learning.

Focus on Pronunciation First

Before introducing the melody, read the lyrics aloud as a poem. Focus on the vowels (A, E, I, O, U). Ensure the “wh” sounds like an “f” and the “ng” is soft (like the sound in “singer”). Incorrect pronunciation in a song can form bad habits that are hard to break.

Connect the Lyrics to the Environment

When singing about Waitī (fresh water), show images of eels or rivers. When singing about Tupuanuku (food from the earth), discuss kūmara or carrots. This anchors the abstract lyrics to physical reality, making the vocabulary stick.

Incorporate Poi and Action Songs

Many Matariki waiata are designed to be performed with actions. Simple hand movements or the use of Poi (tethered weights) can help with rhythm and motor skills. For “Tirama Tirama,” use simple twinkling hand gestures similar to the English version.

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