The Stars of Mātariki - Years 1-8 (Primary/Intermediate)

A Musical in two acts, 12 scenes, bilingual (accessible levels of Te Reo Māori familiar to most NZ school age children): Music and Lyrics by Dr David McMillan.

Synopsis

The action-packed musical begins when a class’s overnight marae visit is disrupted by a severe storm.  With the power, Wi-Fi and cell phone coverage gone, the children reluctantly fall into the embrace of traditional life on the marae. Their journey includes learning about the Maramataka (Māori calendar), Poutama (learning stairway of excellence), Pōwhiri (welcoming onto the marae), Mātariki and the Māori New Year. To entertain the children the kaumātua (elders) recount the little known legend of Haunui’s unsuccessful quest to overthrow the Mātariki whānau. 

The Stars of Mātariki draws heavily on the knowledge generously shared in books by Dr Rangi Matamua (Mātariki Star of the Year) and Witi Ihimaera (Navigating the Stars – Māori Creation Myths).

This musical is designed to:

Deepen children’s overall understanding of Te Aō Māori,

Provide specific knowledge and understanding of the Maramataka, Pōwhiri, Poutama and Mātariki,

Increase knowledge and use of Te Reo Māori, 

Provide an opportunity to explore the impact of colonialisation on another culture.

A special thank you to Ōmōkoroa Point School who have provided the vocals for the updated arrangments of the songs in September 2024. 

The Story

The visit starts well, as the children are welcomed onto the marae (Tūrangawaewae). The kaumātua explain how life on the marae is led by the Māori calendar (Maramataka). But as night falls a severe storm is brewing (The Storm – instrumental/dance). An explosion can be heard and all the lights across the city go out. Wi-Fi and mobile communications are lost. After the initial panic settles, candles are lit. 

A sense of calm comes over the children as they relax into the arms of life on the marae. Everyone goes outside and sits around a newly lit fire. The kaumātua introduce the children to ‘Māori TV’ (the night sky). The importance of the stars in terms of navigating the oceans and life are discussed. This leads up to the kaumātua outlining the central importance of the Stars of Mātariki (Star of the Show). 

The narrators (Ranginui, Papatūānuku and Tāwhirimātea) introduce the concept of whānau to the audience and then introduce the Mātariki whānau of stars and the functions they perform (The Stars of Mātariki). Subsequently the astronomers (Tohunga kōkōrangi) explain how the rising of Mātariki signals the beginning of the Māori year and that it is a time for firstly remembrance and celebration (Mātariki Atua).  

The kaumatua recount to the children, the little-known story of Haunui’s efforts to take over and rename Mātariki as ‘Haunuiville’. Haunui grew up in the rough outskirts of the Mātariki constellation. His lack of education and manners is only surpassed by his blind ambition to make his mark on the universe. He plans to replace the traditional system of bartering and reciprocity and replace it with a capitalist system trading tiakarete (chocolate) instead (Tiakarete). Ironically Haunui is lactose intolerant and eating his beloved tiakarete causes a great deal of flatulence (hence his name Haunui which can be colloquially translated as ‘big wind’). 

His plan is going extremely well, until one of his bogan companions accidentally reveals his traitorous plan. He is cast from the whānau and left devastated that his shadow side has caused him to act so poorly (Dance of the Shadows – instrumental/dance). He sends a video message to the Mātariki whānau apologising for the hurt he has caused.  

However, Haunui’s science advisers, Team Smarty Pants, introduces Plan B – to become the 10th star of Mātariki. Team Smarty Pants outline the cunning plan to grow Haunui’s size (eat a great deal of Tiakarete leading to a massive increase in gas). Unfortunately, Haunui has not fully learned from his previous mistake, and his ambition is re-kindled as he sets off on his new quest (Never Gonna Give It Up).  

Sadly, the gas build-up plan works too well and Haunui grows so large that he explodes as a super nova. The Mātariki whānau hear the explosion and their worst fears are confirmed when a shower of stardust falls around them. Mātariki plays her whānau the video she received from Haunui. His backstory and sincere apology soften their hearts towards him (Remembrance song – instrumental). They mourn his passing (Stardust). 

Rehua (the father of the Mātariki stars) empathises with his wife and children and eases their grieving by using his power to reincarnate Haunui (Raising of Haunui-instrumental/dance). However, due to Haunui’s foolishness and blind ambition in trying to become the largest star in the Mātariki constellation, Rehua brings him back to life as a Kaumatua to teach humility and peace to those on earth. The marae visit comes to an end and the cast all join together to sing the finale (Hoki Tū Mai). 

Scenes and Musical Numbers:

ACT ONE

The Pōwhiri: Tūrangawaewae (School Children, Welcoming Group)

Maramataka: Maramataka (Phases of the Moon)

The Storm: The Storm (Storm Dancers)

Māori T.V.: Star of the Show (Villagers)

The Mātariki Whānau: The Stars of Mātariki (Mātariki Whānau)

Celebrating the New Year: The Remembrance Song (Tohunga kōkōrangi)

ACT TWO

The Legend of Haunui: Tiakarete (The Chocolate Bars)

Haunui’s Plan is Exposed: Shadow Dance (The Bogans)

Last Grasp at Glory: Never Gonna Give It Up (Team Smarty Pants)

Mātariki Mourns Haunui: Stardust (The Stardust Dancers)

The raising and Redemption of Haunui: The Raising of Haunui (Redemption Dancers)

Leaving the Marae: Tūrangawaewae (Everyone)

Two Script Options

You have two script options (both provided as part of your overall licence). The first script (entire/large school version) is designed to maximise the opportunity for a large number of children to have speaking parts (100+ one line participants and 25 main characters). The second script (small/senior school version) adds three new characters and redistributes the 100+ one liners amongst the main characters.

Singing Principals (10):

Koro Ken, Mātariki, Tupuārangi, Waipunarangi, Waiti, Waitā, Ururangi, Pōhutukawa, Hiwa I te rangi, Haunui.

Other Principals (9):

Nanny Āniwaniwa, Principal Pat, Ranginui, Papatūanuku, Tāwhirimātea, Aroha, Pradeep, Marsha, Rehua.

Supporting Principals (5):

Imogen, Tohunga kōkōrangi 1, Tohunga kōkōrangi 2, Tohunga kōkōrangi trainee1, Tohunga kōkōrangi trainee 2.

Other

Up to 10 children can join the class group whenever Aroha, Pradeep and Marsha are in a scene (non-speaking parts).

Small school / Senior School script only (4)

Aunty Awhi, Leo, Hauiti, Professor Smarty Pants.

Chorus/ensemble (9 groups (preferably 10+ in each group- minimum of 3))

Iwi Welcoming Group, Phases of the Moon, Storm Dancers, Villagers, Twinkle Stars, Tohunga kōkōrangi and trainees, Tiakarete Bars, Bogan/shadow dancers, Team Smarty Pants (Up to 100 single line parts available amongst the nine groups). 

Orchestration

Backing tracks – with BVs.