LEADING LIGHTS Issue 3 | 2024
Strengthening my leadership through my cultural journey to understand Mātauranga Māori and sharing Te Maramataka practices in ECE
Article by Jenna Stone
I’ve been a kaiako for 20 years now, with nearly 10 years at Kidsfirst Kindergartens as of April next year. Over the years, I’ve continually sought new ways to enhance my practice, and in 2021, I decided to further my education by studying Māori Languages and Pedagogies at the University of Canterbury, under the guidance of Aumiri Pounamu. It was through this study that I encountered Mātauranga Māori - the Māori worldview, which offers a deep approach to understanding and interacting with the world.
One aspect that truly spoke to me was Te Maramataka, the Māori Lunar Calendar. My tīpuna (ancestors) used to follow the moon’s phases, paying attention to the energy each phase provided. Whether it was for fishing, harvesting, or recognising the best days for rest, the moon guided them. This wisdom from my ancestors inspired me to think about how we could incorporate it into our own daily practices at the kindergarten.
I took on both the roles of learner and leader when I began sharing Te Maramataka with my team. I wanted us all to experience the energy of the moon and see how it could shape our ways of being. To make it more approachable for both the team and the tamariki, I started by introducing the different phases of the moon. Interestingly, one of our kaiako, who is Taiwanese, was already familiar with lunar phases, as her culture also follows a lunar calendar. This created an opportunity for us to draw connections between different cultures and how they observe the moon.
The phases we follow are based on the Hina app, which I learned about during my time at university. As Ngāi Tahu, we don’t yet have a specific set of moon phases that we follow, but the Hina app has been a fantastic tool for guiding us on this journey.
Alongside sharing this with my team, I also created a group chat where I regularly provide updates to my colleagues and friends. It’s become a space where we exchange ideas and reflect on how the energy of each day aligns with the moon phases. I also pull insights from various Facebook and Instagram groups that focus on Te Maramataka, and I find the wealth of knowledge shared by others, like Heeni Hoterene and Professor Rangi Matamua, incredibly inspiring.
Now, we plan our kaupapa around the moon’s energies. Depending on the lunar cycle, we adjust our days to match how we expect the tamariki to respond. For example, if we notice that they’re full of energy, we change things up. We might swap out our usual mat time for something more active, giving them the chance to burn off that energy through physical experiences. Whether it’s a spontaneous outdoor adventure or a game that gets them moving, the goal is to match their energy with what we offer.
On the other hand, when we notice they’re a bit more tired or need a quieter day, we focus on activities that allow them to recharge. We might engage them in storytelling, yoga, or even let them choose their own activities to guide their learning in a more relaxed way. This approach helps us stay attuned to their needs while still fostering meaningful learning experiences, even if it’s only for the last 10 or 15 minutes of the day. It allows us to honour both individual learning paths and the collective energy of the group.
By aligning our planning with the energy of the moon, we create a space that is responsive to the tamariki’s needs, ensuring that they feel supported and engaged in ways that are meaningful for them. This kaupapa has strengthened not only my own leadership but also the shared leadership in our environment. We’re able to plan holistically for each child, recognising that their energy and well-being are integral to their learning journey.
This process of incorporating Te Maramataka into our teaching has been transformative. I’ve had the chance to introduce something new and meaningful to our team at Kidsfirst Kindergartens, and we even had the opportunity to present at a hui for other kaiako interested in what we’re doing. It’s been an incredible experience to share this with others, and now I’m excited to be able to stand here and share it with you all.
I’ll be honest - when I started on this journey, I never imagined that I’d be presenting my experiences in front of others. I've never been a public speaker, but stepping into this leadership role has shown me what I’m capable of. It’s an ongoing journey, and I’m constantly learning and refining how we incorporate these ideas into our space, but I’m excited for the future.
I truly hope that I’ve done justice to this kaupapa and that you’re able to take something away from this, even if it’s just a small idea that you can carry with you into your own practice. The wisdom of Te Maramataka is something I believe can benefit all of us, not just in our professional lives but in how we connect with the world around us.
In terms of practical examples, we’ve introduced things like yoga and meditation on days when the energy calls for it. We’ve had pyjama days when the tamariki seem to need extra comfort, and we’ve taken trips to the community gardens when we feel the need to ground ourselves in nature. Gardening itself has become a regular activity for us, aligning with the lunar phases to care for the earth and the plants that nourish us.
My inspiration comes from a variety of sources, particularly from the work of people like Heeni Hoterene, who shares her knowledge of Maramataka Māori across social media, and Professor Rangi Matamua, whose work on living by the stars has been a guiding light for me. I also owe a great deal to Kari Moana Te Rongopatahi, who is not only my friend but became my kaiako at the University of Canterbury. Her teachings and public speaking have been incredibly influential in shaping my approach.
Ngā Mihi
Jenna Stone
Kaiako Matua
Kidsfirst Kindergartens Vickery Street