Matariki
June 20
Te Tiratū Iwi Māori Partnership Board is counting down to celebrating Matariki on 20 June this year!
Matariki marks the rising of the Māori New Year and is a significant time in Aotearoa’s cultural calendar. As the Matariki star cluster shines brightly in the winter sky, communities across the country come together to reflect on the past year, honour the present, and prepare for the year ahead.
For our people the knowledge of the stars and their movements has been passed down through generations, intricately connected to the whenua (land), moana (ocean), lakes, and awa (rivers). Each star in the Matariki cluster holds its own qualities, providing guidance and wisdom for the future.
Historically, Matariki was celebrated by iwi to gather, share kai (food), kōrero (stories), and acknowledge the turning of the year through ceremony and entertainment. These celebrations were rooted in whakapapa (ancestry), fostering a deep connection with the land and the celestial beings.
Though Matariki was traditionally celebrated by iwi, the cultural renaissance in the early 21st century has led to it becoming a national event. Today, Matariki embraces Aotearoa’s unique traditions, stories, and respect for the whenua.
We encourage Aotearoa to honour our sacred time of year, reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future with respect for the land and each other. For more information check out the Matariki Festival website.