My Matariki

 What is matariki? Matariki has always been an important time in the Māori calendar.

Heralded by the rising of the star constellation known as Matariki, the Māori New Year signalled a time for connecting with, and giving thanks to the land, sea and sky. It was a time for the community to come together to farewell those departed and acknowledge the year gone by.  It was also a time to turn to the future, welcoming the new generation to the world and planning for the year ahead.

What are the names for matariki and the seven stars? The names of Matariki and the seven stars are Wait, Waita, Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi, Waipuna-a-rangi, Ururangi and Matariki.   

When is matariki? Matariki is celebrated on the 22nd of June but different tribes celebrate it at different times of the year.

When is the Maori New Year?

The Maori new year is marked by the rise of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon. The pre-dawn rise of Matariki can be seen in the last few days of May every year and the new year is marked at the sighting of the next new moon which occurs during June. This next occurs on 24 June 2009.

What does Matariki mean?

Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Matariki (Tiny Eyes) and Matariki (Eyes of God).

Why is Matariki important?

Traditionally, depending on the visibility of Matariki, the coming season's crop was thought to be determined. The brighter the stars indicated the warmer the season would be and thus a more productive crop. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future.

How is Matariki celebrated?

Matariki is celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting of new trees and crops signalling new beginnings. Matariki was the optimum time for new harvests, and ceremonial offerings to the land-based gods Rongo, Uenuku and Whiro to ensure good crops for the coming year.  It was also seen as a perfect time to learn about the land we live on and to remember whakapapa (ancestry) who have passed from this world to the next and the legacy they left behind.

Who Celebrates Matariki? Anyone who wants to participate.

What does matariki mean in english?  Matariki means tiny eyes or eyes of god.