Celebrating Matariki
The law setting up a Matariki public holiday has passed in Parliament, and we now have a new public holiday set for 24 June this year.
The new holiday recognises the Maaori lunar calendar and holiday dates are set for the holiday through until 2052, falling on the Friday closest to the Tangaroa lunar phase - when the last quarter-moon rises - of Pipiri, a period typically falling between June and July. This ancient Polynesian lunar calendar was adapted by Maaori in Aotearoa when they first arrived 800-1000 years ago. The maramataka system synchronises the daily activities of people with the natural world (taiao), Moon, Sun, stars and planets. It uses cycles and phases instead of counting days, weeks and months.
Matariki is known as the Maaori New Year and a time when the Matariki constellation is seen in the night sky. Matariki is also recognised in various Pacific island nations as far away as Hawaii in the north and Rapanui/Easter Island in the east.
Matariki is a time to remember those who have died, a time to celebrate the present, and to look ahead to the future and the coming season. The stories told, traditions honoured and exact timings differ by iwi and hapuu.
Locally Matariki is known as the daughter of Papatuanuku and Raumati. According to Maaori cosmology, when their children separated Ranginui, the skyfather and Papatuuaanuku the earth mother, Taawhirimaatea God of the winds became so angry he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens. This was the creation of Matariki.
The celebration is underpinned by values of aroha (love), whakamaharatanga (remembrance), kotahitanga (unity), manaakitanga (caring), tohatoha (sharing), mana taiao (environmental awareness), hākari (feasting), wānanga (discussion), noho tahi (coming together), atawhaitanga (kindness), whakanui (celebrations) and tuakiritanga (identity).
Dr Rangi Matamua, an expert in Māori astronomy and a senior lecturer in the School of Māori and Pacific Development at the University of Waikato has been researching the history and meaning of Matariki. He found that, contrary to popular belief, some of our Māori ancestors recognised nine stars in the constellation of Matariki, rather than seven. These ancestors viewed each star individually to give insight into the year ahead. The stars are: Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Waitī, Waitā, Waipuna-ārangi, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Ururangi, and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.
If you are looking for ideas to join in on Matariki celebrations, there are several Matariki events planned for the Waikato.
Find out more at www.MatarikiWaikato.nz
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