Matariki

Waiti Waita Waipunarangi
Tupuanuku Tupuarangi Ururangi e
Koinei ngā tamariki o Matariki
(These are the children of Matariki)
Ngā whetū e pīataata i te rangi e
(The bright stars that shine in the sky)
Ngā whetū e pīataata i te rangi e
(The bright stars that shine in the sky)

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for a group of stars. The science name is the Pleiades and instead of ‘group’ they call it a star cluster. It signalled the start of the Māori New Year for some tribes. Maori people followed a lunar calendar. That means that the months were organised around the moon. Marama is the name for moon. That is why the calendar is called Maramataka.

When is Matariki?

Matariki appeared just before dawn in late May or early June. Different tribes celebrated Matariki at different times. Some celebrated when it was first seen. Some celebrated at the first new moon or full moon after the Matariki was seen. We now celebrate Matariki as the new Maori year, when the first full moon is seen.

How to find Matariki

Click on the picture to find out how to find it!

Te karanga o te whaea – The call of the whaea
He kakano kahurangi o nga tupuna Is a seed / treasure from our ancestors
He pono, ngā kete a mātauranga That is true knowledge
He piki te ora, te ara tika That will ascend giving life to this true path
Nga Taongatuku iho It is a treasure passed down from our ancestors
Nga Taongatuku iho nga moemoea It is a treasure passed down carrying the aspirations / vision of our ancestors
Ko Matariki, ki ngā tamariki o ngawhetu Matariki, instructs her children (the stars)
E tu kia mau, kia kaha Stand, to hold and be strong
Te wero o te haerenga During the challenges of your life’s journey
Te ihi, te wehi, te mana That you face them with passion, respect and integrity
He whakapuaki kia whiti te pō Te Ao Marama x3 That it may enlighten you moving from darkness to light

Find out about Matariki on te Ara:

The Myth of Matariki

Matariki

The Seven Stars of Matariki

An author reads her story of the Seven Stars of Matariki

How to make a manu taratahi
Follow these instructions to make a triangular child’s kite:
Figure 1: Lay the feathered toetoe stalks on top of the unfeathered stalk as shown. Bind the stalks together with string.
Figure 2: Lace together dry raupō leaves in groups of six. Start at the wide end of the frame and tie the string to the middle stalk, then lace the leaves as shown. Tie off after the sixth leaf. Repeat this on the side stalks. Continue lacing groups of six until finished.
Figure 3: Balance the centre of the kite on a broom and trim the leaves. Attach the bridle.