Matariki – Celebrating the Māori New Year
Matariki marks the Māori New Year and is a time of reflection, remembrance, and renewal. It begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster, also known as the Pleiades, which becomes visible in the early morning sky during midwinter.
This special time in Aotearoa New Zealand brings whānau and communities together to honour those who have passed, give thanks for the harvest, and set intentions for the year ahead. It’s a season grounded in tikanga Māori and closely connected to the natural world.
The Matariki cluster is made up of nine stars, each carrying its own meaning and link to the environment:
- Matariki – wellbeing and health
- Tupuānuku – food grown in the soil
- Tupuārangi – food from the sky, like birds and fruits
- Waitī – freshwater and freshwater life
- Waitā – the ocean and seafood
- Waipunarangi – rain and the water cycle
- Ururangi – wind and weather
- Pōhutukawa – remembrance of those who have passed
- Hiwa-i-te-rangi – hopes, wishes and dreams for the future
Matariki is a uniquely New Zealand celebration that invites all people to pause, connect, and look forward with hope. Whether it’s through sharing kai, storytelling, planting, or stargazing, Matariki is a reminder of the importance of whānau, nature, and community.
Ngā mihi o te tau hou Māori – Happy Māori New Year!
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