Pupils at Brookfield School have been learning an ancient art this week.

In anticipation of Matariki Kite Day, the kids have been attending workshops on kite building, run by New Zealand Kite Fliers Association member John Russell.

John says he had about 50 kids making and flying kites from scratch.

'We had a template that the teachers used to cut the kites out, from plastic tablecloths,” he says.

'The kids then coloured them in, before the strings, tail, sticks, and flying lines were attached.”

Afterwards, the pupils were given the chance to take their kites outside and take them for a flight test.

John says they flew well. 'The joy of the kids was absolutely astonishing.”

It's something different from the abstract nature of learning maths and grammar, or the artificiality of a computer screen. It's hands-on, practical technology.

'That's why I think there's been a resurgence in kite flying lately,' says John. 'All of the kids thought it was awesome.”

The style of kites the kids built are known as ‘sled kites', which are about the size of an A3 piece of paper.

'The corners are cut at certain angles, while two struts or pieces of cane hold the kite open. Sometimes when you make the diamond designs they can be disappointing to fly, due to poorer aerodynamics, which is why we went with the sled design.”

John adds many of the larger animal kite designs, popular at events, are merely modifications on a basic sled kite.

This Sunday he will among the expert kite fliers turning out to Fergusson Park to celebrate Matariki by filling the sky with magnificent kites.

Tauranga City Libraries specialist information librarian Bernie Johnson says New Zealand Maori history describes traditional Maori as ‘excellent kite makers and flight controllers', which is why the kite day was introduced as part of the local Matariki celebrations

'Maori used kites for unyielding commitments such as communication, survival, forecasting the weather, religion, warfare, transport, recreational, storytelling and entertainment.

'The arrival of Matariki supports those descriptions well. Traditional Maori astronomers would observe the star constellation Matariki for several months prior to its arrival. By noticing changes in the constellation (size, clarity, position) Maori could calculate how long they had to prepare themselves for the long winter months ahead of them,” says Bernie.

'During this phase harvesting, hunting, fishing, preserving, storing and trading food was necessary. At the first sighting of the Matariki sitting low on the horizon in the early morning sky, Maori knew the next full moon marked the arrival of Matariki.

'Flying kites on the first day of Matariki placed great importance on its arrival and held a specific significance to its owner.”

Find out more information about Matariki Kite Day here.