Matariki: Maori New Year

Significance of Matariki

    A cluster of stars that appears in the early morning sky in New Zealand during the mid winter months (late May to early July). In 2022, the first public holiday to celebrate Matariki will be on Friday 24th of June. The appearance of these stars were historically significant to planting, harvesting and hunting. Thus became a symbol of an abundant season to come.

According to Maori myth the cluster represents a whaea (mother) and her six daughters:

• Matariki - the whaea; refers to the star cluster and a specific star. She signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment, and the health and wellbeing of people.
• Tupuanuku - "tupu" means to grow and "nuku" is the shortened version of Papatuanuku meaning Earth. She is connected with everything that grows in the ground to be harvested or gathered for food.
  
• Tupuarangi - she is associated with food sources that come from the sky, such as birds, or fruits and berries from trees.
• Waiti -  is connected with all freshwater bodies and the food sources sustained by those waters. She watches over fresh water environments such as awa (rivers), roto (lakes), kukuwai (wetlands), and waipuna (springs). 
• Waita - represents the ocean and the seafood that can be harvested from it. She encourages us to respect our coasts, oceans and marine life.
• Waipuna-a-rangi - is associated with rain, hail and snow.
• Ururangi - is connected with the various winds.

• Pohutukawa - the star that serves as a reminder who have passed on, encouraging us to take time to remember them and acknowledge their impact on our lives.
• Hiwa-i-te-Rangi - a wishing star, helping us to realise our hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

Ways to Celebrate

1. Enjoying a mid-winter feast with friends and whanau
2. Light a candle
3. Write down hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the year ahead
4. Gaze upon the stars
5. Playing takaro (games) and story telling
6. Honour loved ones who have passed on
7. Te Taumata Kapa Haka
8. Music!