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Mānawatia a Matariki

Matariki is the name for the cluster of stars that rises in winter, and signifies the beginning of the Māori New Year. Traditionally, Matariki was a time to honour those that had passed, show thanks to the land, and cultivate the ground for the coming year. If the stars appeared clear and bright, it signified an abundant season in the coming year.

As we prepare our vines over winter, we are keenly aware of the need to respect and care for the land we have been provided here in Hawke’s Bay, enriching it to enjoy the fruit it will provide in the next harvest.

Matariki has now been revived as a time for all New Zealanders to come together with whanau (family) and friends, reflect on the year that has been, be thankful for the present, and plan for the year ahead.

9 Stars of Matariki

  • Matariki   Signifies reflection, hope, connection to the environment and gathering of people
  • Pōhutukawa   The star associated with those who have passed on.
  • Waitī   Symbolises all fresh water and the food sources that are sustained by them.
  • Waitā   Symbolises our the ocean and the food sources within.
  • Waipuna-ā-rangi   Appreciation of the rainfall/water.
  • Tupuānuku   Everything that is grown within the soil, that is harvested/gathered for food.
  • Tupuārangi   Appreciation of food grown up in the trees. (Fruit, berries and birds).
  • Ururangi   Symbolises the wind.
  • Hiwa-i-te-rangi   The youngest star, considered the wishing star for future hopes and aspirations for the coming year.

How to find the stars

Matariki is one of the closest clusters to Earth, so it is possible to see them with the naked eye.

To find them, look to the North East horizon in the early morning, and search for the three stars of Tautoru (Orion’s belt/the bottom three stars of the ‘pot’). Then look to the left of these stars and you will see a bright orange star (Taumata-kuku), then keep going further left, until you see a small cluster of stars that are about the same width as Tautoru. These are the Matariki stars.

Click to see video from Te Papa Museum of New Zealand with instructions on how to find the Matariki Cluster.

We encourage everyone to celebrate Matariki with their whanau and friends this year,

as New Zealand collectively looks forward to the future we hope to achieve, together.

Mānawatia a Matariki | We Welcome Matariki

 

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