Last Updated on January 13, 2025

Matariki: The Living Tradition of Aotearoa New Zealand

Matariki represents more than just a celebration—it embodies the deep connection between the people of Aotearoa New Zealand and their natural environment. As the Matariki star cluster (known internationally as the Pleiades) emerges in our dawn skies during the middle of winter, it signals the beginning of the Māori New Year and initiates a period of reflection, celebration, and cultural renewal.

The Stars That Guide Us

The Matariki cluster comprises nine visible stars, each carrying profound cultural significance in Māori tradition:

Matariki (Alcyone)

The central star of the cluster, Matariki, represents the mother figure to all other stars in the group. She connects us to our ancestors and guides us in our reflection on those who have passed during the previous year. Matariki also encourages us to look forward, promoting health and wellbeing for the coming year.

The Children of Matariki

Each of Matariki’s children serves as a guardian for different aspects of our environment:

1. Tupuārangi watches over our food that comes from above—the birds of the forest and the fruits of tall trees
2. Waipunarangi governs the rains that nourish our land
3. Ururangi holds dominion over the winds that shape our weather patterns
4. Waitī protects our freshwater ecosystems and their inhabitants
5. Tupuānuku oversees food that grows within the earth
6. Waitā guards our oceanic resources
7. Pōhutukawa maintains our connection to those who have departed
8. Hiwa-i-te-rangi carries our wishes and aspirations for the year ahead

Seasonal Significance and Traditional Practices

The appearance of Matariki coincides with several important seasonal changes in Aotearoa:

Natural Indicators

• The winter solstice marks the longest night of the year
• Frost blankets the ground in many regions
• Deciduous trees stand bare
• The last crops of the season have been harvested

Traditional Activities

During this time, Māori communities traditionally engage in several important practices:

• Tohungatanga (Knowledge Sharing): Elders pass down astronomical knowledge and navigation skills
• Whakamaharatanga (Remembrance): Communities gather to remember those who have passed
• Whakanui (Celebration): Feasts are prepared using stored harvest foods
• Mahi Toi (Artistic Expression): Creation of traditional crafts and artworks
• Wawata (Future Planning): Setting intentions and making plans for the coming year

Modern Celebrations and Cultural Significance

Today’s Matariki celebrations blend traditional practices with contemporary expressions of culture:

Public Celebrations

• Cultural festivals featuring traditional and modern performances
• Community star-gazing events with astronomical education
• Public art installations and exhibitions
• Educational programs in schools and museums
• Shared community meals and celebrations

Cultural Preservation

Modern Matariki celebrations play a crucial role in:

• Maintaining traditional Māori knowledge and practices
• Strengthening community bonds
• Promoting environmental awareness
• Fostering cultural understanding
• Celebrating New Zealand’s unique identity

Viewing Guide for Matariki

To observe the Matariki cluster:

Optimal Viewing Conditions

• Time: Pre-dawn hours (approximately 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM)
• Season: Mid-winter (June-July)
• Location: Find a spot with clear views of the northeastern horizon
• Weather: Choose a clear, moonless morning

Navigation Tips

1. Locate Tautoru (Orion’s Belt) in the pre-dawn sky
2. Follow an imaginary line upward from Tautoru
3. Look for a small cluster of stars about the size of your thumbnail at arm’s length
4. Use binoculars for a clearer view of individual stars

Future Dates and Celebrations

The timing of Matariki varies each year due to the lunar calendar. Here are the confirmed dates for upcoming years:

2025-2030 Matariki Celebrations

Detailed information about Tangaroa periods and public holidays for each year, with explanations of how these dates are determined based on astronomical observations and cultural considerations.

Where in Auckland is it possible to see Matariki?

There are many places in Auckland where you can see Matariki, depending on your location, preference, and weather conditions. Here are some suggestions:

Takaparawhau / Bastion Point

This is a significant site for Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and a memorial park for former prime minister Michael Joseph Savage. It has an obelisk, a sunken pool, a garden, and a harbour view. You can gather here respectfully to greet Matariki.

Ōrewa Beach

This is a popular coastal town north of Auckland, known for its clear skies and long coastline. You can find a viewing platform at 469 Hibiscus Coast Highway or choose any spot along the beach to watch Matariki.

Tūpuna Maunga / Volcanic Cones

Auckland has 53 volcanic cones that offer high vantage points to see the stars. You can choose one that is meaningful to you, such as Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, Maungawhau / Mt Eden, Maungarei / Mt Wellington, Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert, or Te Pane o Mataoho / Te Ara Pueru / Māngere.

Duder Regional Park

This is a coastal farm park east of Auckland, on the Whakakaiwhara Peninsula. It was one of the first places visited by the Tainui canoe and an important settlement for Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki. It has stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Maungauika / North Head

This is a volcanic cone in Devonport that was used as a military defence site. It has tunnels, guns, and cannons that you can explore. It also has panoramic views of the city and the harbour.

Preserving the Heritage

As Matariki continues to evolve as a modern celebration, it remains deeply rooted in traditional Māori knowledge and values. This balance between preservation and adaptation ensures that Matariki will continue to be a living, breathing part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage for generations to come.

Sources:

1. https://www.matariki.com/
2. https://www.newzealand.com/int/matariki/