Matariki (Māori New Year)
Matariki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. The Māori New Year is marked by the rise of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon. Matariki events are held throughout New Zealand depending on the local Iwi (tribes) and geography.
Matariki is also associated with the winter solstice and Matariki is celebrated at mid-winter with the stars set to align this year on 14th June 2010. Special celebrations around the country include:
- A Matariki Gourmet Hangi, hosted by popular Kiwi celebrity chef Peter Gordon who is of Māori descent, is a Matariki highlight. (The hangi is a traditional Māori way of cooking food in an earth oven).
- Northland Fire Shows by the community circus featuring fire sculptures, unicycling and pipe bands.
- Plus festivals throughout New Zealand featuring kapa haka, education, kite workshops, art displays, Māori kai (food) stalls, star-gazing and storytelling.
Matariki – A Celebration
During Matariki we celebrate our unique place in the world.
We give respect to the whenua on which we live, and admiration to our mother earth Papatūānuku.
Throughout Matariki we learn about those who came before us.
Our history. Our family. Our bones.
Matariki signals growth.
It's a time of change.
It's a time to prepare, and a time of action.
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.
Matariki is our Aotearoa Pacific New Year.
More Information
For more information, visit the Matariki website.
