Matariki
Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te tauCelebrate the rising of Matariki
Celebrate the rising of the lord of the sky
Celebrate the rising of the New Year
Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau (AUT) is proud to support Mānawatia-a-Matariki, the Matariki public holiday.
We acknowledge the Matariki Advisory Group, experts in Te Ao Māori and the mātauranga associated with Matariki and the Maramataka, and advocates who have pushed for its public recognition.
The whakataukī “Matariki Hunga Nui” means that Matariki brings us together, and it's an opportunity for all New Zealanders to share in the knowledge of the stars to guide us.
What is Matariki
Matariki is a significant time in the Māori calendar and is recognised by the reappearance of the Matariki stars in the winter sky. The cluster of stars signifies the start of the Māori New Year and is widely celebrated across Aotearoa.
Matariki is a time to reflect and come together to remember our loved ones who have passed while strengthening our ties to each other, giving thanks for what we have while we look forward to the promise of a new year.
How to find the Matariki cluster of stars
The Matariki cluster of stars can be seen in the winter skies above Aotearoa from early June. It’s best viewed low on the north-east horizon before sunrise – try looking between the hours of 5.30am to 6.30am.
First you need to find the row of three stars of Tautoru (known as Orion's belt or the Pot). Secondly, find Puanga (Rigel) by locating the bright star above Tautoru. Next you can scan left until you find Taumata-Kuku (Aldebraran) the bright orange star. From there you can keep scanning left until you see a cluster of stars. This cluster is known as Matariki.
Matariki art resource pack
Download this year’s Matariki images, created by AUT visual arts students Tohu Harris and Hope Korewha, or colouring-in sheets created by Te Awanui A Rangi Teresa Clark.
Podcast: Maramataka with Ayla Hoeta
Mānawatia a Matariki! AUT Māori media alumna Ayla Hoeta shares her knowledge of Maramataka, the Māori lunar and environmental calendar, and how the phases of the marama (moon) influence the environment and people.
Mahi whai
Whai or string games were traditionally played during the winter months and around the rising of Matariki.