Matariki

Mānawatia a Matariki

A time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. In New Zealand we celebrate Matariki, which marks the start of the Māori New Year. Its is signifiedby the Matariki star cluster reappearing in our night sky. The Matariki star cluster contains hundreds of stars but only nine are visible to the naked eye. Each of these nine stars has a distinct story and significance in Māori culture. We have carefully created designs to represent each of the 9 stars of Matariki. Face Painting has been a popular activity for the children at many Matariki celebrations this year and is a great way to teach children about each of the different stars.

Matariki - Signifies reflection, hope, the gathering of people and our connection to the earth. Pōhutakawa - Remembering our loved ones that have passed on. Tupuānuku - Detirmines the bounty of food grown in the ground such as Kūmara. Tupuārangi - Is connected to birds and other foods grown high above the ground like berries in the trees. Waitī - Connected to freshwaters and the food sources sustained by those waters. Waitā - Connected to the ocean and all the life sources within. Waipunarangi - Associated to the rain fall throughout out the year. Ururangi - Connected to the winds. Hiwa-i-te-Rangi - Is the star connected to our dreams and aspirations.