MATARIKI

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MATARIKI Aotearoa Pacific New Year
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MATARIKI Aotearoa Pacific New Year
During Matariki we celebrate our unique place in
the world. We give respect to the whenua on which
we live, to Papatuanuku Throughout Matariki we
learn about those who came before us. Our
history. Our family. Our bones.
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Matariki signals growth. It is a time of change,
a time to prepare and a time of action. During
Matariki we acknowledge what we have, and what we
have to give. Matariki celebrates the diversity
of life. Its a celebration of culture,
language, spirit and people
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Ko wai a Matariki?
What is Matariki?
Matariki is a small cluster of tiny stars, also
known as the Pleiades. It forms part of the
constellation of Taurus.
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Ko wai a Matariki?
What is Matariki?
The Matariki constellation twinkles on and off in
such a way that one second youll see them, and
another theyll be gone.
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Ko wai a Matariki?
What is Matariki?
There are two translations for Matariki - mata
riki, tiny eyes and mata ariki, eyes of god.
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Ko wai a Matariki?
What is Matariki?
Towards the end of May each year, Matariki
rises on the North East horizon on the same spot
as the rising sun, around half an hour before
dawn. This signals the beginning of our Matariki
celebrations. The new year celebrations are held
on the sighting of the next new moon.
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Te Taiao
Around the World
As the year moves from autumn towards its
shortest winter day, the sunrise moves north
along the eastern horizon. When the sunrise
reaches Matariki, it turns around and starts
moving south again. This effect can be seen
everywhere on the planet and makes the Matariki
stars famous world-wide.
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Nga Korero o Matariki
The stories of Matariki
Some say that when Ranginui, the sky father, and
Papatuanuku, the earth mother were separated by
their offspring, the god of the winds,
Tawhirimatea, became angry, tearing out his eyes
and hurling them into the heavens.
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Nga Korero o Matariki
The stories of Matariki
Others say Matariki is the mother surrounded by
her six daughters Tupu-a-nuku, Tupu-a-rangi,
Waiti, Waita, Waipuna-a-rangi and Ururangi.
Another account explains that Matariki and her
daughters appear to assist the sun, Te Ra, whose
winter journey from the north has left him
weakened.
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Te Taiao
Around the World
In Greece, several important temples face
straight towards Matariki.
In Japan the world rally car Subaru is named
after the Matariki stars. The meaning of
Subaru is generally thought to be united or
getting together
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Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa
Throughout the Pacific
The Matariki constellation is also well-known
throughout the Pacific. It is a key navigation
beacon for ocean voyagers, as well as an
important signal for seasonal celebration.
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Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa
Throughout the Pacific
Polynesians know the Pleiades constellation by
the following names Matali'i (Samoa), Matari'i
(Tahiti), Makali'i (Hawaii) and Matariki
(Rarotonga and New Zealand)
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Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa
Throughout the Pacific
Hector Busby - Te Taitokerau Heke Busby is one
of those responsible for resurrecting Polynesian
star navigation and voyaging waka, he said
When were sailing from Rarotonga to Aotearoa,
Matariki sits just off the stern of our waka,Te
Aurere, with the Southern Cross right in front
of us. I remember my old people saying, kua
ruku a Matariki or Matariki has dived which
meant that it was the time for collecting
seaweed, in the month of Haratua May.
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Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa
Throughout the Pacific
Te Aurere Voyaging waka Hector Busby quoted
I know that our tupuna from all over, even in
our ancient history as Polynesians all use to
welcome and celebrate the coming of Matariki,
with pakau or kites. Today, however, the
Mangaian people are the only Polynesians still
continuing this tradition. When their kite has 3
tails, that means it is the season of Tautoru.
When there are 6 tails, this means it is the
season of Matariki, and that signifies that the
times of warmth and food are coming. I know to
other tribes, Matariki means different things to
them as well, but for most, it means the
beginning of the new cycle of life. I believe
it means tiny little eyes but there are many
other meanings as well.
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Te Whakanui o Matariki
The Celebration
Matariki is a time to prepare to learn, to share
ideas, and to celebrate the future.
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Te Whakanui o Matariki
The Celebration
. . . a time to remember the past and a time to
plan for the future a new beginning
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Te Whakanui o Matariki
The Celebration
There are many different ways to celebrate
Matariki.
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He wero . . .

• What will Matariki mean for you?
• . . . new beginnings . . . new challenges . . .
  here are some ideas . . .
• enrol in a te reo Maori course
• hold a celebration, invite friends, family
• learn a waiata
• join a kapa haka group
• join in Maori language activities next month
• . . . . . . . ?

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Waiata
Here is a beautiful waiata composed by Erana
Hemmingsen. It sings six of the stars of
Matariki (children of Matariki) shining bright in
the sky. Listen and learn!
Nga Tamariki O Matariki Waiti    Waita   
Waipunarangi Tupuanuku  Tupuarangi   Ururangi
e Koinei  nga tamariki o Matariki      (These
are the children of Matariki) Nga whetu e
piataata i te rangi e   (The bright stars that
shine in the sky) Nga whetu e piataata i te rangi
e   (The bright stars that shine in the sky) Na
Erana Hemmingsen
lt Click to hear the waiata
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• We would like to thank and acknowledge
• Te Taura Whiri I te reo Maori
• Carters Observatory
• Hot Chilli animation
• Matariki Events
• For the use of their resources for this
  presentation