Mānawatia a Matariki!
At the libraries, we aim to provide a base of knowledge about significant events like Matariki mā Puanga (Matariki and Puanga). Below you will find some key information about what Matariki is and why it is important. You will also find links to a range of different resources to help you learn more about Matariki. You can also pop into the library to see our visual presentation about Matariki and its traditions, and to place your intentions for the coming year on our dedicated wall. There will also be some fun prizes on offer and Matariki bookmarks to collect!
We will also be hosting Charles Watene at Morrinsville Library on Thursday 19 June at 12pm for a very special lunchtime lecture about how studies of the Māori lunar calendar (maramataka) can help us improve the practice of bee-keeping in Aotearoa. Make sure to drop by!
Matariki mā Puanga is a time of remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking to the future. While we generally refer to the celebration as Matariki, Matariki mā Puanga acknowledges the unique iwi variations that exist across the motu. Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades, a cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter. Puanga is the Māori name for Rigel, a star that also rises in the eastern sky at the same time as Matariki. For many Māori its appearance heralds the start of the new year. Traditionally, Matariki signalled a time of preparation and harvesting in anticipation of the coming year. Italso marked a time to honour and acknowledge those who had passed away over the last year and to set intentions and wishes for the future. While some iwi choose to look to Puanga rather than Matariki, the spirit and celebrations associated with the rising of these stars is consistent across the different iwi.
Beginning in 2022, Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki (Matariki Observance Day) has become Aotearoa New Zealand’s first public holiday to recognise Te Ao Māori. While there is only one Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, Matariki is actually a period of time, not a single day. The dates shift each year to coincide with the maramataka (Māori lunisolar calendar) and reflect the return of Matariki and Puanga to the skies. The theme of Matariki mā Puanga this year is all about inclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating Matariki together.
The celebrations of Matariki mā Puanga are underpinned by core ngā uara (values) and ngā mātāpono (principles). These ngā uara are:
- Aroha - Love and respect for one and other
- Whakamaumaharatanga - Remembrance
- Kotahitanga - Unity
- Tohatohatanga - Sharing
- Mana Taiao - Environmental awareness
- Kaihaukai - Feasting
- Wānanga - Discussion
- Noho tahi - Coming together
- Whakanui - Celebrations
- Tuakiritanga - Identity
The ngā mātāpono are:
- Matariki Hunga Nui (Remembrance): Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki
- Matariki Ahunga Nui (Celebrating the present): Gathering together to give thanks for what we have
- Matariki Manako Nui (Looking to the future): Looking forward to the promise of a new year
All of us at the libraries wish you a wonderful Matariki this year and hope that you use this time to connect with your loved ones, share kai, acknowledge the sacredness of our environment, and look to the future.
All information above has been sourced from the official Matariki website (www.matariki.com), www.matariki.co.nz and www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/matariki-maori-new-year
For more resources please refer to the following:
- What is Matariki?
- Facts about the Matariki star cluster
- The stars of Matariki
- How to find the Matariki star cluster
- Matariki Karakia Booklet
For general information about Matariki, visit www.matariki.com or www.matariki.co.nz