Source: Department of Conservation
By Joe Harawira, Pouwhakahaere
When Ranginui, the sky father, and Papatūānuku, the Earth mother, were separated by their children, the God of the winds—Tāwhirimātea—became so angry that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens.
For Māori, the rising of these stars (called Matariki – ‘the eyes of God’), is celebrated by giving gratitude to Papatūānuku, practicing whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships and connections with others) and valuing manaakitanga (hospitality and kindness).
Known as the Māori New Year, Matariki is also a time to give respect to the unique land we live on; a time of growth, to plant new trees and crops; to gather with whānau and friends and to reflect on what has been and what is yet to come. A time of new beginnings.
Traditionally, the success of the following season’s crops would be determined by Matariki. The brighter the stars, the warmer the season and the more plentiful the crops would be.
“In days gone by, Māori used the concept of manaaki (care) of the natural resources to survive,” says DOC’s Pouwhakahaere Joe Harawira.
“For Māori, sustainability of resources was crucial to our survival. Our people had to adapt to the sometimes harsh and inhospitable conditions that were encountered upon arrival to Aotearoa. This was the time where they learned how to live, to breathe, to know and to understand how to live with the environment; how to co-exist. They wore the mantle of the land with dignity and respect, hearkened to the ways of nature, appreciated the elements, and speculated the cosmos. Therefore, the environment and its care are at the forefront of the celebrations around Matariki”.
To get in on the action and celebrate this time of new beginnings, bring friends and family along to one of the many events around the country. Eventfinda has a good list to choose from, and the Matariki Festival website has ideas for how you can celebrate.
Star-gazing
Matariki is a set of nine stars that appears in New Zealand’s sky in the shortest days of the year marking the beginning of traditional Māori New Year celebration, which takes place in June or July at the same time with the rise of the new moon.
So, set the alarm for around 5.30am, wrap up warmly and drag yourself outside. The best time to see Matariki is about half an hour before dawn.
1. Find the pot (the bottom three stars of the pot are called tautoru, or Orion’s Belt).
2. To the left of the pot, find the bright orange star, Taumata-kuku (Alderbaran).
3. Keep going left from Taumata-kuku until you find a cluster of stars. That is Matariki. You may be able to see the individual stars among the cluster, but if it’s a bit fuzzy, look just below or above it and they will appear clearer.
4. Get comfy and spend a few moments reflecting on the year that was and the year to come.
Find more tips and advice for star-gazing on our website.
Matariki signals change—preparation and making plans to take action. We appreciate our whenua (land) and celebrate the diversity of life. We learn about who came before us, our history and our heritage. Not only do we acknowledge what we have, we acknowledge what we have to give.
Find out more about Matariki: The Māori New Year on the Te Papa website or on the Matariki Festival page.
