Celebrating Matariki

Matariki is the Māori New Year, heralded by the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) in the mid-winter sky. It's a special time for all Kiwis to come together with whānau (family) and friends to reflect on the year that has passed, honour those who have passed on, and celebrate the present. It is also a time to look forward, to set intentions for the year ahead, and to connect with the environment.

More than just a public holiday, Matariki is an opportunity to share kai (food), stories, and laughter, fostering a sense of community and looking to the stars with hope for the future.

Dive more into Matariki below!

Matariki is the Māori New Year and this year falls on Friday June 20th. It’s marked by the rising of a cluster of stars, also called Matariki (or Pleiades), in our mid-winter sky. It is a time for all New Zealanders to pause and reflect on the year that has passed, celebrate the present with whānau (family) and friends, and look ahead to the future.
Matariki follows the maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), not the standard 12-month calendar. It is always celebrated on a Friday in June or July, close to when the star cluster first rises in the dawn sky.
Matariki has three key themes:
- Remembrance: Honouring those who have passed away since the last rising of Matariki.
- Celebrating the Present: Gathering to give thanks for the blessings we have now.
- Looking to the Future: Setting intentions and planning for the year to come.
Celebrating Matariki can be very simple. The best way is to gather with family and friends to share kai (food) and stories. It's also a perfect time to remember loved ones who have passed away, set goals for the year ahead, or attend one of the many free community events like light festivals, kite flying days, or dawn services.
Matariki is a star cluster, not a single star. While the cluster contains hundreds of stars, nine are prominently observed in Aotearoa. Each of these nine stars has a name and a special connection to our environment, representing things like the ocean (Waitī), fresh water (Waitā), the wind (Ururangi), and food that is grown (Tupuānuku).

Generate your own pepeha:

A pepeha is a traditional way of introducing yourself in te ao Māori (the Māori world) that connects you to your heritage and the land. Instead of just stating your name, a pepeha identifies significant landmarks like your maunga (mountain) and awa (river) to share your story and where you come from. It's a powerful way of expressing your identity, acknowledging your ancestors, and showing your connection to a place. Add your details to see how your pepeha would be formed.