Matariki

What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. The reappearance of Matariki in the dawn sky marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, a significant cultural event in New Zealand. This period is traditionally a time for remembrance, celebrating present harvests, and making plans for the upcoming year.

As of 2022, Matariki is recognised as an official public holiday in New Zealand. This designation acknowledges its profound cultural significance to Māori and provides an opportunity for all New Zealanders to learn about and participate in these traditional observances. The timing of the holiday varies each year, typically falling in late June or early July, aligning with the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.

History and Origins of Matariki

The origins of Matariki are deeply rooted in Māori astronomy and traditional practices. The Matariki star cluster, known as Pleiades in Greek mythology, is visible in many cultures worldwide, but its significance to Māori is unique to Aotearoa (New Zealand). Its heliacal rising, when it first becomes visible above the horizon in the morning sky just before sunrise, traditionally signalled the start of a new agricultural and spiritual cycle.

Historically, the visibility and brightness of the Matariki stars were used as an indicator for the coming season’s harvest; a clear and bright cluster suggested a bountiful year, while a hazy appearance portended a lean season. This connection to the land and food production made Matariki a critical time for reflection on the past year’s bounty and preparation for the next. The observance involved specific ceremonies, including karakia (prayers or incantations), kai (feasting), and sharing knowledge.

Over time, particularly during colonisation, the traditional observance of Matariki diminished in prominence. However, a revival began in the early 2000s, spearheaded by Māori cultural advocates and astronomers, to restore its place in the national calendar. This movement gained momentum, culminating in the passing of legislation in 2022 to make Matariki an annual public holiday, thereby embedding a key element of Te Ao Māori into the national consciousness.

How Matariki Is Celebrated

Contemporary celebrations of Matariki in New Zealand encompass a range of traditional and modern activities, all centred around its core themes: remembrance, celebration, and looking forward. It is a time for communities to gather, reflect, and share.

Remembrance (Whakamaumahara)

A central aspect of Matariki is honouring those who have passed away since the last rising of the star cluster. This is often done through ceremonies that involve releasing the names of the departed to the stars, connecting them to the cosmos and ancestral lineage. Families and communities may hold quiet gatherings to remember their loved ones and share stories.

Celebrating the Present (Whakanui)

Matariki is a period of thanksgiving for the harvest and the abundance of the land. Feasting is a significant component, with hāngi (traditional Māori earth oven cooking) being a popular method for preparing shared meals. These gatherings are opportunities for whānau (families) and hapū (sub-tribes) to come together, enjoy good food, music, and cultural performances such as kapa haka (Māori performing arts). It is also a time to acknowledge and celebrate cultural heritage and identity.

Planning for the Future (Wawata)

The third core theme involves looking ahead and planning for the year to come. This includes setting intentions, making resolutions, and discussing future projects for individuals and communities. Educational events, workshops, and exhibitions are also common, designed to promote understanding of Māori astronomy, language, and culture. Public events such as star gazing, kite flying (manu aute), and storytelling are organised across the country, encouraging widespread participation and fostering a sense of national unity around Māori traditions.

When Is Matariki?

The date of Matariki is variable and is not fixed on the Gregorian calendar. It is determined by the appearance of the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) in the dawn sky during winter in the Southern Hemisphere. This typically occurs in late June or early July.

The specific date is calculated annually by the Matariki Advisory Group, which consults with tohunga (experts) in Māori astronomy and the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). The New Zealand government then formally announces the public holiday date each year. This method ensures that the observance remains true to its astronomical and cultural origins, reflecting the traditional Māori way of marking time.

Matariki Key Facts