Matariki

MATARIKI FACTS

WHAT IS MATARIKI?

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades.

This small group of stars rises just once a year, in mid-winter – late May or early June. For many Māori, the rising of these stars is the start of a new year.

Matariki literally means the ‘eyes of god’ or ‘little eyes’ (mata riki).

According to myth, 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.

HOW LONG DO CELEBRATIONS LAST?

Celebrations for Matariki can vary from place to place and year to year.

While some celebrations can last a couple of weeks, traditionally celebrations last up to 3 days.

These three days will be the days following the new moon has risen following Matariki becoming visible.

WHAT DATE IS MATARIKI ON?

The date of Matariki varies from year to year. Generally it falls within the last few days of May or in June.

This year Matariki falls on the 18th June. Below are the dates for Matariki for the next few years.

2014 Pipiri 28 June, 2015 Pipiri 18 June

2016 Pipiri 06 June, 2017 Pipiri 25 June

2018 Pipiri 15 June, 2019 Pipiri 05 June

2020 Pipiri 22 June

HOW IS MATARIKI CELEBRATED ?

Matariki is celebrated in a variety of ways.

The important event in New Zealand is becoming more popular with schools, community organizations and local councils.

Because Matariki was the optimum time for new harvests, often plants or new trees are planted within communities.

Matariki is also seen as a perfect time to learn about the land we live on and to remember whakapapa (ancestry) who have passed from this world to the next and the legacy they left behind.

WHAT DOES MATARIKI MEAN ?

The word Matariki has two different meanings.

Both meanings refer to a tiny constellation of stars.

Mata Riki means Tiny Eyes and Mata Ariki means Eyes of God.

WHY DO WE CELEBRATE MATARIKI TODAY ?

Today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on.