Matariki - Te Puia

It’s longer. Much longer.

From the beginning of all known life to the end.

Matariki is a star cluster. About four hundred and forty four light years away. And it rises in Aotearoa New Zealand once a year at the beginning of the lunar calendar – maramataka.

Tangata whenua from all over have been using its rising to mark the new year. To be thankful for the harvest.

Below are four Matariki inspired recipes that will help you celebrate the occasion at home, and get a deeper connection to what its rising is all about.

WATERCRESS PESTO

Waitī is one of the stars that rises with the cluster. She watches over the freshwater. The rivers. The lakes. The wetlands. These waterways connect us to one another. Which is why it’s important to mark her rising by connecting to those around us. The people who make us special. The people who we’re thankful for.

Show your thanks to all that Waitī does by prepping a kōwhitiwhiti pesto to share with loved ones.

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GREEN-LIPPED MUSSEL FRITTERS

When the Matariki cluster rises over the horizon, the star Waitā connects us to the thousands of creatures that call the moana their home. At this time we’re reminded to treat our oceans and their treasures like taonga – taking only what we need and giving respect in return.

This Matariki, honour Waitā by sharing kūtai fritters with the people special in your life.

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BOIL UP

As Tupuānuku rises with the Matariki cluster, she not only helps make sure our crops grow big and strong, but reminds us of the growth we need to make for the year. So whether you’re setting personal goals or looking to strengthen friendships with the people you love, you can’t go wrong with the Matariki staple of kōhua kai.

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BLACKBERRY AND KAWAKAWA COMPÔTE

As the star that’s connected to food grown in the sky, Tupuārangi gifts us with a plentiful bounty. Let’s show our appreciation, and share our thanks to everyone in our life, by finishing off our feast with a bowl of ice cream with blackberries and kawakawa compôte.

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