He Kōrero mō Matariki: Reflecting on a Special Time in Te Ao Māori

Last month, as the crisp winter air settled over Aotearoa, we came together to acknowledge a deeply significant time in Te Ao Māori — the rising of Matariki, our Māori New Year. Matariki was more than just a celestial event; it was a time of connection, remembrance, and renewal across our whānau and hapori.

The History of Matariki

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars known globally as the Pleiades. Traditionally, its rising in the mid-winter sky marked the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar. For generations, iwi across the motu have looked to Matariki as a signal to pause — to honour those who had passed, to give thanks for the kai harvested, and to prepare for the year ahead.

Each iwi holds their own pūrākau and traditions around Matariki. For some, the cluster represented a mother and her six daughters. Others recognised nine stars, each representing an element of life — from food and water to health and well-being.

The Meaning of Matariki

In Te Ao Māori, time is viewed as cyclical rather than linear. Matariki reflected this beautifully — a time to look back in remembrance and forward with intention. It reminded us to celebrate the present, mourn those we had lost, and plant seeds of hope and purpose for the year ahead.

With Matariki now officially recognised as a public holiday, more people across the motu took the opportunity to reflect and reconnect with mātauranga Māori, te taiao, and one another. For us at Te Hono o Ngā Waka and many others across Te Tai o Poutini, this was a powerful time to centre our values of whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kotahitanga.

Celebrating Matariki in Our Community

This year, our Matariki celebrations brought whānau together in beautiful and meaningful ways. We shared kai, lit candles in remembrance, told stories, sang waiata, and took time to be present with each other. Tamariki and rangatahi engaged in learning about whakapapa, māramatanga, and the importance of reflecting on the year that had been.

These moments reminded us of the strength of our community and the beauty of our culture. Whether through wānanga, crafts, shared meals or quiet reflection, every action was an act of reconnection — to each other, to the land, and to our tūpuna.

Looking Ahead

As the Matariki stars rose and now begin to fade again from view, they left behind a trail of warmth and clarity. We honoured those we lost, gave thanks for the gifts we hold, and made space for new beginnings. Matariki was a gentle yet powerful reminder that healing, growth, and transformation all begin with reflection.

Though the official celebrations may have passed, the kaupapa of Matariki continues in our daily lives — in the way we show up for each other, the way we care for our environment, and the way we carry our whakapapa forward with pride.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou i hono mai, i whakanuia hoki i tēnei wā hirahira. Kia tau ngā manaakitanga o te tau hou Māori ki runga i a koutou katoa.