Matariki

Content:

• What is Matariki?
• Why do we celebrate Matariki?
• When did Matariki Start?
• What do we do for Matariki

What Is Matariki?
Matariki is the maori name for the cluster of stars. It rises just once a year, in mid-winter – late May or early June. Matariki literally means the 'eyes of god'.

Why do we
celebrate Matariki?

In days gone by, Matariki was a time to prepare for the year ahead, a time to learn and a time to celebrate the future.
Matariki was also a time of ceremonial offering to the land gods Rongo and Uenuku in the hope of a good harvest in the year to come.

When did Matariki Start?


At the beginning of the 21st century Matariki celebrations were revived and have become a special time of the year to celebrate the unique place we live in, respect the land we live on, and share and grow with each other.

What do we do for Matariki?


In ancient times Matariki arrived at the end of the harvest and was a time of plenty for our ancestors. The kumara and other root foods had been gathered. The migration of fish such as moki and korokoro made Matariki a time of bountiful catches. Visitors were showered with gifts of specially preserved eel, birds and other delicacies.