Matariki 2009

Monday 1st–Tuesday 30th June 2009

At dawn, at the end of May, look to the northeastern horizon for the first sign of Matariki, the group of stars also known as the Pleiades. You would be repeating what generations of Māori have done: watch for the signal from the earth that it is time to prepare the soil for the planting season.

Matariki is the Māori New Year. Historically, it marked the end of the old year and the start of the new; a time of bounty, when crops had just been harvested and fish and fowl were plentiful. It was a time of learning for the young and teaching for the adults: weaving, planting, fishing, birding, singing, and dancing. It was also a time of remembrance and warfare.

The Māori of today continue to honour those traditions with ceremonies that greet the star cluster’s dawn rising and with celebrations of song and dance. Gathering food is no longer a major component of their lives but planting is still a favourite activity at this time. They also continue to value and share skills such as weaving, kite-making and story-telling.

Please browse the events below to see where Matariki is being celebrated in your suburb this June/Pipiri.