Matariki

Matariki – Maori New Year

Matariki is the Māori name for the constellation of stars that are often known in other cultures as the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. Matariki may be translated as mata riki – tiny eyes, or as mata Ariki – eyes of God. These eyes are thought to watch over the land and it’s people.

The yearly reappearance of Matariki signifies a time to prepare, to share ideas, to remember the past and celebrate the future. Matariki can be a time of change, and growth. During Matariki we acknowledge what we have and what we have to give.

Matariki celebrates the diversity of life. It's a celebration of culture, language, spirit and people, of our past, present and looking to the future.

Matariki Challenge - Have a go at some of these Activities

• Kite Making - Build a kite and fly it on the first day of the New Year. Ancient Māori kite-flying traditions have a highly symbolic connection to Matariki - the two were historically inseparable. Kites were seen as connectors between the heavens and earth.

• Art - Create a piece of artwork celebrating Matariki

• Gardening - Use Matariki as a time to clear the winter vegetables, and prepare your vegetable garden for the new planting. It could become a family tradition to do the gardening altogether – at least for one day of the year.

• Kai - Prepare a Matariki feast for family and friends - it's a Matariki tradition. Make it a meal to farewell the old year and see in the new one.

• A new beginning - Start something new today. Use this day to set new goals for the New Year.