Matariki
Matariki is the name of a cluster of stars which is visible in our night sky at a specific time of the year. In June/July Matariki will reappear in the dawn sky - signalling the start of the maori year.
It is a time to celebrate new life and remember those who have passed and to plan for the future. And it is a time to spend with family and friends - to share food and songs and games.
Maori ancestors would look to Matariki for help with their harvesting. When Matariki disappeared in April/May, it was a time to preserve crops for the winter season. When it reappeared in June/July, the ancestors would read the stars to predict the coming season - clear and bright stars predicted a warm and abundant winter while hazy stars warned of a bleak winter.
Matariki has nine visible stars, according to leading maori astronomer, Dr Rangi Matamua, who’s been researching the Matariki for over 30 years. As part of his research Dr Rangi Matamua his ancestors were able to see nine stars. The nine visible stars include: Matariki, Tupuārangi, Waipuna-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Tupuānuku, Ururangi, Waitā, Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.
