Celebrate Matariki with Te Puia
Tirohia atu nei ka wheturangitia Matariki, te whetu o te tau…
Look above beyond the horizon you shall witness Matariki, sign of the New Year…
The rising of Matariki signifies for Māori the end of harvest and the beginning of new planting and new growth, thus making Matariki the symbol of the New Year.
Matariki – Star Cluster
Also known as Pleiades, Matariki rises to be seen just before dawn in the Winter months.
Matariki atua ka eke mai i te rangi e roa, e roa, e
Whāngainga iho ki te mata o te tau e roa, e…
Matariki rising in the broad heavens
Nourish those below with the first fruits…
Many Māori believe the star cluster represents Matariki surrounded by her six daughters Tupu-ā-nuku, Tupu-ā-rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi.
Matariki has also been translated to mean tiny eyes (Mata Riki) or eyes of God (Mata Ariki) both symbolising a guardian watching over the people.
Matariki Ahunga Nui…
Matariki Provider of Plentiful Food…
Traditionally, clear and strong visibility of Matariki would indicate a fruitful crop while a faint Matariki marks a cold Winter and crops in short supply.
Celebrating Matariki
Matariki is marked by the sighting of the new moon around the Winter Solstice. In 2009 this date is Wednesday, June 24th.
Matariki, huarahi ki te oranga tangata…
Matariki, pathway to the wellbeing of man…
Matariki is a time of reflection on the past and hope for the future. Traditionally the shedding of tears would farewell the dead and later turn to joy to greet the birth of a new phase.
In modern times Matariki is marked by a number of festivals and events. Also marking the renaissance of an ancient Māori tradition, Matariki is well received by all nationalities in Aotearoa.
Whānau Day programme
