How My Koro Became a Star
In How My Koro Became a Star by Brianne Te Paa, a young boy learns about the customs around celebrating Matariki from his grandfather. They watch the stars from the top of a mountain, prepare their offering of food for the gods, and the boy learns about Te Waka o Rangi and the tradition of calling out the names of loved ones who have passed away so that they can become stars.
Just before Matariki the following year, the boy’s Koro suddenly dies. He gathers and prepares the food offering and asks each family member to come with him up the mountain when Matariki is due to rise, but they all make excuses, and he is disheartened. But when he tells them what Koro taught him, they all climb the mountain before sunrise, follow the rituals Koro carried out and call out Koro’s name so that he can become a star.
- Written by Brianne Te Paa
- 40 pages
- Softback book
- Language: English
- Also available in te reo Māori
- Published 20 May 2022
- ISBN: 9781775506935
Brianne Te Paa is an Assistant Principal at Kaipara College. She has a Bachelor of Education and a Diploma in Te Pinakitanga ki Te Reo Kairangi. She is connected to the people of Ngāti Kahu, Ngā Puhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāti Whātua, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki and Te Whānau-a-Apanui. Brianne is passionate about learning and working with young people, and she has always enjoyed writing poetry and short stories.