Matariki (Pleiades) reappears: Whanui (Vega) starts its flight;
Written by
Ka puta a Matariki, ka rere a Whanui, ko te tohu o te tau.
Matariki (Pleiades) reappears; Whanui (Vega) starts its flight; these are the signs of the time of the Maori New Year.
Towards the end of May or early June each year, the star cluster Matariki - or Pleiades - appears in our dawn skies. The Maori New Year begins with the first new moon after the first appearance of Matariki and this year the new moon appears on 18 June. The bright star Puanga - or Rigel - emerges at about the same time, and for some iwi (tribes) it is the appearance of Puanga rather than Matariki that has significance and is celebrated.Ka puta a Matariki, ka rere a Whanui, ko te tohu o te tau.
Matariki (Pleiades) reappears; Whanui (Vega) starts its flight; these are the signs of the time of the Maori New Year.
Towards the end of May or early June each year, the star cluster Matariki - or Pleiades - appears in our dawn skies. The Maori New Year begins with the first new moon after the first appearance of Matariki and this year the new moon appears on 18 June. The bright star Puanga - or Rigel - emerges at about the same time, and for some iwi (tribes) it is the appearance of Puanga rather than Matariki that has significance and is celebrated.
Festivities differ from iwi to iwi, but Matariki is, for most, a rich and meaningful celebration, marking the beginning of the plentiful season. It is a time for feasting, entertainment, and ceremony.
Check out the Matariki events calendar at Te Papa
Matariki at Te Papa
For Tamaki Makarau Matariki festival events check out Matariki Maori New Year Festival, Auckland 2004
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