Matariki Information Report

What is Matariki

Matariki is a Maori celebration of Maori New Year. Matariki is a special occasion in New Zealand calendar which marks the stars of the Maori New Year, Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky. Matariki is a special year for the Maori people, it’s the first time of year for everyone to get together.

Matariki Cluster

The Matariki cluster consist of 9 stars. There was first 7 stars and then they added 2 more stars, you can see the stars with or without a telescope that's how close they are.

Star names: Waiti, Waita, Waipuna-a-rangi, tupuanuku, Tupuarangi, Ururangi, Hiwa-i-te-rangi, Pohutukawa and Matariki

When is Matariki Celebrated?

In 2022 Matariki celebration starts from Monday 20th of June and finishes on Friday 24th of June.

Why should Matariki be celebrated ?

Matariki is an important celebration for the Maori people and it should be celebrated because it marks the beginning of the Maori New Year. Matariki should be celebrated because it’s apart of the Maori New Year  but just that Matariki is important to the Maori people because there is a lot of stuff to do with the stars and Matariki

The Matariki Cluster to the World

Matariki is known by different names around the world in Japan it’s known as Subaru and other countries have other names. Twinkling in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki ( the Pleiades ) signals the Maori New Year. For Maori, the appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance.

Conclusion

In the past Matariki was celebrated by the native people within the communities but in 2021 our PM Jacinda Ardern she decided Matariki will become a public holiday.