Matariki

What Is Matariki?

Matariki is an important event for New Zealand and is also the name of the Maori New Year where a cluster of stars appear. Its around 7 stars. Its also the sighting of the next moon.

One Story About The Orgins Of Matariki

Tawhirimatea  (god of the wind) got very distraught because of the separation of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (earth mother) and Tawhirimatea hurled his eyes to the sky

How To See Matariki

The celebration for Matariki will begin at late May to early June. Or if you look east + north, half an hour before dawn you will see the 7 stars and it ends at July.

Maori New Year - Traditional Celebrations

Matariki is when the end of harvest is here and that means you harvest your crops for winter. People need LOADS of food for the one cold season. This is also when a migration of fish (an abundance of fish.) and a preporation for the new year ahead. This is also a time to remember your family and your ansisters.

Maori New Year

Traditional celebrations Pt 2

This is a time to have  fun and filling feasts, fly kites, talk with visitors,  dance to songs and sing while everyone dances.

Maori New Year - today

There are many various ways to celabrate for Maori New Year. Again, flying kites, flying in hot air balloons, setting off fireworks, having concerts and having fun speacail events.