Matariki Celebrations in North Otago School Garden Clubs

Matariki was celebrated accross the Norht Otago School Garen Clubs this year in the form of Star shaped scones with herbs from each school garden.

One Maori Legend was shared amoung the classess and some did a theatrical re-enactment of it.

"Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ (mata ariki) or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki). Some say that when Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother were separated by their offspring, the god of the winds, Tāwhirimātea, became angry, tearing out his eyes and hurling them into the heavens."

Here Waitaki Valley School pick the herbs fresh from theor school garden for the Matariki scones. Tarragon, sage chocolate peppermint, lemon balm and marigold flower petals

Meg from Duntroon School is a keen garden club participant.  Here she shows off her thumb that is  rather green! Their class got busy potting up Kowhai seeds from DOC packs to help the Duntroon wetlands and to beautify their homes and school.

Waitaki Valley School fresh herb pickings.  Sage and tarragon

Students got to help read out the recipe and give the dough a mix. Some students were keen to try some lemon balm in their scones.

Baked with lots of butter, giving them a delicious smell and a good crispy crunch!

Bella and Lulu thought yumbo!! and Bella picked a bunch of herbs for her mum from the school garden

Papakio School made a great batch too,

Fenwick School have a great selection of flowers and herbs to add to their Matariki scones.
Nasturtium and even Nettle.

So great to get using the school kitchens.  Fenwick Schools is well resourced!

And the delicious taste test!

Happy Maori New Year everyone!