Section outline

  • Kia ora  7C2,


    Our focus for this week is MATARIKI. Please refer to our Google Classroom for resources.

    What is Matariki?

    Matariki is one of the most important Māori celebrations. It signifies the start of the New Year in Māori culture.

    Matariki is the name for a star cluster also known as the Pleiades, that rises in late June or early July. It literally translates in English to the 'eyes of god' or 'little eyes'. 

    When is Matariki?

    In 2021 Matariki will be celebrated between 19 June to 11 July. 

    Whakanuia te tau hou Māori, 19 o Pipiri ki 11 o Hōngongoi 2021.

    How is Matariki celebrated?

    Traditionally, Māori believed if the Matariki stars were very bright in the sky, this signified a warmer season and more fruitful crops for harvest. 

    It was seen as an ideal time for ceremonial offerings to the Māori land-based gods Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure their crops were healthy for the coming year. Matariki was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future.

    Today Matariki celebrates the unique place in which we live and gives respect to the land we live on. This is celebrated through education and remembering whakapapa (ancestry). 

    The planting of new trees and crops is done to represent new beginnings. 

    Celebrations traditionally last up to 3 days after the new moon has risen following the Matariki clusters visibility in the sky.

    What are the Matariki stars called?

    Matariki is a star cluster, not a constellation. The 9 Matariki stars are called: 

    • Hiwa-i-te-rangi
    • Matariki
    • Pohutukawa
    • Tupu-a-nuku
    • Tupu-a-rangi
    • Ururangi
    • Waipuna-a-rangi
    • Waiti
    • Waita