Matariki Star

Weaving a whetū (star) from harakeke (flax) is a fun Matariki activity for the whole whānau, so here’s a step-by-step guide. Traditionally, the first star you make is given away as a gift.

1. You’ll need 4 weaving strands (created from 2 harakeke leaves). The first and hardest part of weaving your whetū is to get the central windmill knot set up. Take 2 of the strips and place them on top of each other with both shiny sides facing upwards. Hold them in your left hand and wrap the top part down and around your hand. Adjust so that the loop is roughly in the middle. 2. Take the other 2 strips and slide them horizontally between the 2 strips in your hand (under the right hand one and over the left hand one) to form a cross. 3. Wrap the left side of both horizontal strips behind your hand, then bring them to the front above the first strip, weaving them over the right strip and under the left strip. 4. Remove your hand, tighten the square windmill knot by pulling all the ends, and adjust it to ensure the knot is in the middle and the ends are even. 5. Turn the knot over. You will see a diagonal cross pattern on the other side. 6. Starting at top left corner, fold top strip only straight down over the knot. 7–9. Repeat in an anticlockwise direction, folding each over the previous one, and tucking fourth under the first to give the same square windmill knot you have on the other side. 10. Now you start to make the points of the star, making sure you have the shiny side of each strip facing towards you as you work it. Start with top right strip. Fold backwards and out to the right at 45 degrees. Fold forwards to make another 45 degree angle. Leave a bit more of a gap at the point to make the next part easier. 11–12. Fold the strips together inwards and push tail through loop below. The point will not fold properly if you have the strips too closely folded together. 13. Turn the star around (clockwise or anticlockwise) and repeat making points on the remaining 3 right hand strips (with shiny sides facing you). 14–15. Turn star over and make points in same way on the other side. 16. Once you have completed 8 points, cut away the excess strips just below where they are tucked under. Note: When harvesting harakeke, there is tikanga (protocol) to follow. See Matariki events listings on p 96.