¿Qué es Matariki y por qué se celebra?

As the Matariki public holiday approaches once again, communities across Aotearoa New Zealand are preparing to honor the Māori new year. This annual observance, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster, holds deep cultural significance for Māori and is increasingly embraced by non-Māori as well. The holiday, which began in 2018, is the first public holiday in New Zealand to formally recognize Te Ao Māori, the Māori worldview. It follows the precedent set by Waitangi Day, which became a public holiday in 1974. This year, Matariki falls on Friday, 10 July, and the theme is “Matariki Herenga Waka – Matariki For Everyone,” emphasizing inclusivity and shared celebration.

The Matariki star cluster, also known as the Pleiades, consists of several stars, each carrying symbolic meaning for the year ahead. These stars are part of the broader celestial narrative in Māori cosmology, guiding both practical activities and spiritual reflections. Among them, Hiwa-i-te-rangi represents hope and prosperity, often linked to setting intentions for the coming year. Matariki herself, after whom the cluster is named, embodies wellbeing, reflection, and the interconnectedness of humans with the natural world. Her presence in the night sky is believed to bring harmony and unity among people.

Other stars hold specific roles. Pōhutukawa is associated with remembrance, connecting the living with the deceased, especially those who passed away recently. Tupu-ā-nuku and Tupu-ā-rangi are patrons of earth and sky foods respectively, signaling the transition into winter and the importance of preparation for harvests. Ururangi and Waipuna-ā-rangi relate to weather patterns, with the former indicating wind conditions and the latter representing precipitation. Together, these stars form a comprehensive guide to the environmental and social rhythms of the year.

Finding the Matariki star cluster involves observing the northeastern horizon shortly before sunrise. According to Professor Rangi Mātāmua, a leading expert in Mātauranga Māori, the process begins by identifying Orion’s Belt, known to Māori as Tautoru. From there, tracing a line to the left leads to the bright orange star Taumata-kuku, which is part of a pyramidal-shaped group of stars. Continuing further left reveals the small cluster of stars that constitute Matariki. This method allows individuals to connect with the celestial markers that have guided generations of Māori.

The celebration of Matariki extends beyond mere observation of the stars. It encompasses remembrance of ancestors, communal feasting, and looking forward to the future. As Professor Mātāmua explained, there is no single prescribed way to participate in Matariki. Whether it is gathering with family for a meal, reflecting on personal goals, or engaging with nature, any activity that aligns with the themes of remembrance, celebration, and anticipation counts as a valid expression of the occasion. This flexibility ensures that Matariki remains accessible and meaningful to a diverse population.

The growing popularity of Matariki reflects a broader movement toward recognizing and integrating Māori culture into mainstream society. Resources such as Matariki.com offer tools for participation, including karakia (prayers) and educational materials. The inclusive approach encourages everyone to find their own way to engage with the traditions, ensuring that Matariki becomes a truly collective experience rather than solely a Māori celebration. As the community looks up to the stars this year, the spirit of Matariki continues to inspire unity, reflection, and hope for the future.