Matariki - Māori

Hello! I am Matariki, the Māori New Year. My name belongs to a special cluster of stars. For most of the year, these stars are hidden, but each winter in Aotearoa New Zealand, they reappear. When people see my stars rise into the dark sky just before the sun wakes up, they know that a new year is beginning. My arrival signals a time for change, marking the end of the old year and the start of a new one.

I am a quiet and thoughtful time for people to remember their whānau, which means family. Specifically, my appearance is a time to honor relatives who have passed away during the year that has just ended. There is a beautiful belief held by many Māori that the spirits of those who have died travel to become stars in the night sky. When people gaze up at my star cluster, they often feel a special connection to their ancestors, remembering them and the stories they shared. It is a peaceful time for honoring the past and those who came before.

While I am a time for remembering, I am also a very happy time for celebrating the present moment with loved ones. After the cold of winter, my arrival is a reason for people to come together. Families and friends gather to share delicious food and enjoy each other's company. A very special tradition is the hāngī, which is a wonderful feast cooked in an earth oven. People also fill the air with music by singing songs, and they share important tales by telling stories. These gatherings are full of warmth and laughter, strengthening the bonds between people.

I also help people look toward the future and prepare for the year ahead. In the past, when farming was the main way of life, people would look closely at my stars. They believed that if the stars were very bright and clear, it was a sign that the year would bring a good harvest with plenty of food. Today, people continue this tradition of looking forward. They think about their hopes and dreams for the new year. It is a time for making plans, setting goals, and wishing for good things to come for their families and their community.

Today, my traditions are being celebrated and shared by more and more people all across New Zealand. I have become a very important part of the national culture. In the year 2022, I became an official public holiday. This means everyone has a special day to learn about me and participate in my customs. People celebrate with community festivals, lively music, and art. One popular activity is flying manu tukutuku, which are beautiful kites that dance in the wind. Observing me has become a wonderful way for all people in New Zealand to learn about and appreciate Māori culture.