Traditional manu tukutuku kites are made from natural materials and take some time to weave. They were decorated with things like feathers, leaves and even masks. Manu tukutuku could be kept as taonga or treasured heirlooms as the weaver would reflect their personal stories in the kite. These fun mini manu tukutuku are much quicker to make from paper and decorate with pens but can still be crafted with the same intentions to reflect yourself this Matariki. Choose a style, design your pattern and assemble following the instructions. Then take your manu tukutuku out to the park and send your Matariki reflection to the sky with the help of Ururangi and the winds.

Materials:
• A4 sheet of paper

• Colouring pencils 

• Scissors 

• Hole punch

• String or wool 

• Cellotape

• Stapler

Method:

Step 1: 

Create and colour your design based on your reflections on a sheet of A4 paper. Your design can cover both sides of the paper.

Step 2: 

Fold your piece of paper in half along the shorter edge.

Step 3: 

Take two corners (on the same side) and curve them down towards the centre fold.

Step 4: 

Staple the two corners with one staple.

Step 5: 

Fold a piece of cello tape over the fold line in the centre.

Step 6: 

Punch a hole where you have placed the cellotape, this ensures the hole won’t rip when flying your kite with string.

Step 7: 

Thread a piece of long string or weool through your hole and tie a knot.

Your kite is now ready for flying! Take your manu tukutuku out to the park and send your Matariki reflection to the sky with the help of Ururangi and the winds. The Native Arboretum in Cornwall Park is a great open space for kite flying!