Source: NZ Department of Conservation
Matariki and Puanga are stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi.
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The pre-dawn rising of Matariki, the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades, marks for many Māori the arrival of the new year.
Puanga is a single star, also known as Rigel. It’s not part of the Matariki cluster but appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises each year. Puanga rises higher in the sky than Matariki so it’s recognised by iwi and hapū that can’t see Matariki from their location.
Matariki and Puanga are both part of Te Waka o Rangi, the waka that carries the souls of those who passed away during the previous year. Matariki is at the front of the waka, and Puanga is at the stern.
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Herenga Waka – For Everyone
The theme for Matariki mā Puanga celebarations in 2026 is: Herenga Waka – it’s all about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together.
People are encouraged to come together to learn, to share and to celebrate the new year. The theme has strong connections to multi-culturalism and the sharing of cultural practices.
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The flying of kites at a Matariki celebration
” data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/matariki-kites-chris-gin.jpg?fit=580%2C370&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/matariki-kites-chris-gin.jpg?resize=580%2C370&ssl=1″ alt=”The flying of kites at a Matariki celebration. Image courtesy of Chris Gin, flickr.com.” class=”wp-image-10567 c2″/>
Matariki Manako Nui – Looking to the future
This is a time to slow down and reflect, come together with family and friends, to feast and remember our loved ones who have passed. It is also a time to plan, look forward to the future, and, most importantly, connect with nature.
Traditionally Māori would look to the stars and use Matariki and Puanga as an indicator to predict things such as the upcoming year’s harvest and weather. In days gone by, Māori used the concept of manaaki (care) of the natural resources to survive.
For Māori, sustainability of resources was crucial to survival. They 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.
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Rangatahi at Pokai marae traditional rongoa Māori planting. Photo: Trudi Ngawhare.
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Pokai marae traditional rongoa Māori planting. Photo: Trudi Ngawhare.
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Mana taiao – Caring for nature
Matariki reminds us of our connection to nature and our responsibilities to look after it.
It can be as simple as organising a beach clean, cleaning your local waterway or planting a tree to give back to our environment.
Discover small ways you can reconnect with nature and make a big difference this Matariki
Show us how you’re caring for te taiao/nature this Matariki by tagging @docgovtnz on social media and using #AlwaysBeNaturing.
” data-large-file=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/beach-volunteers.jpg?fit=580%2C387&ssl=1″ src=”https://i0.wp.com/blog.doc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/beach-volunteers.jpg?resize=580%2C387&ssl=1″ alt=”Cleaning up rubbish at Waitara West.” class=”wp-image-20121″/>
Manawatia a 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 of upcoming events and activities that you can enjoy with whānau and friends.
There is more information and some great resources on the Mānawatia Matariki website.
Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand also have some great educational resources on their website.
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Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/09/matariki-and-puanga-the-maori-new-year/