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Matariki

Matariki

TE ARA O NGĀ WHETŪ O MATARIKI

Our thanks to everyone involved in creating the range of community events that were held to celebrate Matariki from Wednesday 26 June to Sunday 14 July 2023. Each event was linked to particular stars in the Matariki constellation, that have different significance in the Māori world view.

Check back next year for the events that are planned, and details on how you can get involved in celebrating Matariki across our fantastic district.

Download the Matariki Event Calendar (PDF, 798KB)

Stars of Matariki

Below are the nine stars of Matariki and what they are associated with.

Matariki

The star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment and the gathering of people. Matariki is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people.

Pōhutukawa

The star associated with those that have passed on. Pōhutukawa suspended above, a constant reminder for my treasured ones that have gone. May you shine as stars in the night, and sparkle within our memories forever more.

Waitī

The star associated with all fresh water bodies and the food sources that are sustained by those waters.

"Waitī above, Waitī below, flowing are your waters as sustenance for the land, as vitality for mankind, as a food basket for the people. The current of the river swirls and eddies, the lakes ripple, and the source of Tāne-te-waiora overflows, 'tis life!"

Waitā

The star associated with the ocean, and food sources within it.

"Behold the great expense of Kiwa that gleams green and blue beneath you Waitā. Draw up the many of Ikatere, dive out to sea, and collect from the seaside as food for the multitude ashore. The charm of Tangaroa has begun! 'Tis the great current, the long current, the boisterous ocean, the calm ocean."

Waipuna-ā-rangi

The star associated with the rain.

"Welcome the misty rain! Welcome the drizzle! Welcome the showers! Welcome the heavy drenching rain! Fall from the spring of the sacred sky, give drink oh Waipuna-ā-rangi, the land grows, and the people flourish."

Tupu-ā-nuku

The star associated with everything that grows within the soil to be harvested or gathered for food.

"Tupu-ā-nuku shoot up, and grow down, the be plentiful. May the mound dedicated to Rongo be forever fertile, that which was formed from afar. The bounty of Nukutū is scooped up in great numbers, till the soil, cultivate, harvest the year of copious abundance."

Tupu-ā-rangi

The star associated with everything that grows up in the trees: fruits, berries, and birds.

"Thriving is the forest, lush is the forest, bountiful is the crown of the forest upon which the children of Tāne settle, there indeed is the great fowling tree. Tupu-ā-rangi you shall make the forest plentiful, the birds are rich with fat, the berries are fertile, sustenance."

Ururangi

The star associated with the winds.

"Ururangi pacify the unseeing god, lest the wind blows violently, blasting and fierce hitherto. But instead let it be a breeze, a gentle caressing wind so I may be revitalised and refreshed."

Hiwa-i-te-rangi

The star associated with granting our wishes, and realising our aspirations for the coming year.

"Great Hiwa, long-established Hiwa, skilled Hiwa, wise Hiwa! Hiwaiterangi this is the wish of the desiring heart; this is the determination of the longing heart. Spread our in plenty the multitude of immense opportunities. Hold fast to succeed, hold firm to good fortune! Go forth into the world and prosper."

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