Matariki

Welcome to Matariki.co.nz, your go-to resource for all things Matariki in New Zealand!

Matariki has a rich history and cultural significance in New Zealand, particularly within Māori communities. The celebration is deeply rooted in the country’s indigenous culture and has been passed down through generations. The name “Matariki” means “tiny eyes” or “eyes of god” in Māori and refers to the seven bright stars that make up the Pleiades cluster.

Traditionally, Matariki was used as a way to mark the start of the Māori New Year, which occurs with the rise of the star cluster. It was a time for harvesting and preparing the land for the coming year, as well as a time for honoring ancestors and engaging in cultural practices such as waiata (song), haka (dance), and kai (food).

Today, Matariki has become an increasingly popular and widely celebrated event in New Zealand. It is a time for all New Zealanders to come together and recognize the importance of Māori culture and its contributions to the country’s identity. Many events and activities are organized around the country to celebrate Matariki, including art exhibitions, concerts, food festivals, and cultural workshops.

One of the key features of Matariki is the concept of whakapapa, which refers to the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of family and community. It is a time for reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the future, with a focus on personal growth and community wellbeing. Many people take this time to engage in acts of service, volunteerism, and giving back to their communities.

The Matariki public holiday, which was established in 2022, is a reflection of the growing recognition and importance of Matariki in New Zealand culture. It provides an opportunity for all New Zealanders to take part in the festivities and learn more about Māori culture and traditions.

As Matariki continues to grow in popularity and significance, it has become an important part of New Zealand’s national identity and cultural heritage. The festival is a time for all New Zealanders to come together and celebrate the rich and diverse culture of the country, and to reflect on the interconnectedness of all things.

Matariki Public Holiday: Fri, Jul 14, 2023

The Matariki public holiday is a significant event in the New Zealand calendar. It was established in 2022 to celebrate the Māori new year and recognize the cultural heritage and significance of Matariki. The date of the public holiday is based on the rising of the Matariki star cluster, which typically occurs in late May or early June. The holiday is observed on the Friday closest to the new moon following the rising of Matariki.

The decision to create a public holiday for Matariki was a result of years of advocacy from Māori communities and organizations. The holiday is intended to promote awareness and understanding of Matariki and its significance to New Zealanders, as well as to recognize the contributions of Māori culture to the nation.

On the day of the public holiday, many communities throughout New Zealand hold events and celebrations to mark the occasion. These can include cultural performances, feasts, art exhibitions, and storytelling sessions. Many schools and workplaces also close for the day to allow individuals to participate in Matariki festivities.

The Matariki public holiday on friday, July 14th 2023 provides an opportunity for New Zealanders to reflect on the past year, set intentions for the future, and spend time with family and friends. It is a time to honor the traditions and practices of Māori culture and celebrate the unique heritage of New Zealand.

Matariki Resources: Celebrate the New Year with Traditional Foods, Events, and Cultural Guides

We believe that celebrating Matariki is an important way to connect with New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage and deepen our understanding of the values and beliefs of the Māori people. That’s why we are committed to providing a wealth of resources and information to help you make the most of this special time of year.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved in Matariki celebrations, we have compiled a comprehensive list of events and activities taking place across the country. From traditional waiata (songs) and kapa haka (performances) to contemporary art exhibitions and food festivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Our events calendar is regularly updated to ensure you don’t miss out on any Matariki happenings in your local area.

We also offer a range of recipes for traditional Matariki foods, such as kūmara (sweet potato) and rewana (sourdough bread). These recipes have been passed down through generations of Māori families and are an important part of the Matariki celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our recipes are easy to follow and will help you create delicious Matariki dishes to share with family and friends.

In addition to our events and recipes, we provide cultural guides and educational resources to help you learn more about the significance of Matariki in New Zealand culture. Our guides cover a range of topics, from the history of Matariki and its connection to the land, to the spiritual and cultural meanings of the seven stars in the Pleiades cluster. We also offer resources for teachers and educators, including lesson plans and activities for students of all ages.

At Matariki.co.nz, our goal is to make it easy for you to celebrate and learn about Matariki in a meaningful and authentic way. We are constantly updating our resources and adding new content, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest information and inspiration.

Discover the Best Matariki Events and Activities Across New Zealand

Matariki is a time of celebration and renewal, and there are many events and activities to participate in throughout New Zealand. At Matariki.co.nz, we have compiled a comprehensive list of these events and activities, so you can easily find something that suits your interests.

One popular event that takes place during Matariki is the Matariki Festival in Auckland. This festival features a variety of events, including music and dance performances, art exhibits, and traditional Māori ceremonies. The festival typically runs for several weeks and draws visitors from all over New Zealand.

Other popular events during Matariki include hāngi feasts, which are traditional Māori meals cooked in an earth oven. These feasts often take place at marae (Māori meeting houses) and are a great way to experience Māori culture and cuisine.

For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are also many Matariki-themed hikes and walks available throughout the country. These hikes often take place at night, so participants can enjoy the stars and the beautiful winter landscape.

In addition to these events, there are also many other activities available during Matariki. For example, many schools and community groups hold Matariki-themed workshops, where participants can learn about traditional Māori arts and crafts.

No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a Matariki event or activity that you will enjoy. Be sure to check out our comprehensive list of events and activities to find out what’s happening near you. And don’t forget to check back often, as we update our list regularly to include the latest events and activities.

Delicious Traditional Māori Recipes for Your Matariki Celebration: Try Our Recipes Today

Matariki is a time for feasting, and traditional Māori foods are an essential part of the celebration. The recipes we have compiled at Matariki.co.nz are not only delicious, but they also hold cultural significance.

Kumara, or sweet potato, is a staple food in Māori cuisine, and kumara soup is a popular dish during Matariki. Made with kumara, onion, garlic, and chicken stock, it is a warming and nutritious dish perfect for winter. Rewana bread is another traditional Māori food that has been passed down through generations. This sourdough bread is made using a starter dough called rewana, which gives it a unique tangy flavor. Finally, boil-up is a hearty stew made with pork, potatoes, kumara, and other vegetables. It is a popular dish during Matariki, and it is traditionally cooked in a large pot over an open fire.

These recipes are not only a delicious way to celebrate Matariki but also an opportunity to connect with Māori culture and traditions. By preparing and sharing these dishes with family and friends, we can honor the significance of Matariki and its importance in New Zealand culture.

Discover the Significance of Matariki with Our Cultural Guides

Our cultural guides also explore the various customs and traditions associated with Matariki, including the lighting of the Matariki star, the role of kai (food) in Māori culture, and the importance of whānau (family) in Matariki celebrations. By learning about these cultural practices, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Matariki and its significance in New Zealand culture.

We also provide educational resources for schools and educators to incorporate Matariki into their curriculum. These resources include lesson plans, activities, and educational videos to help students learn about Matariki in a fun and engaging way.

Additionally, our website offers a directory of Māori cultural centers and tourism operators where you can experience Māori culture firsthand, including traditional Māori performances, waka (canoe) tours, and marae visits. By supporting these businesses, you can also contribute to the preservation and promotion of Māori culture.

Explore Our Matariki Educational Resources for Children and Students

At Matariki.co.nz, we believe in the power of education and are committed to providing teachers, parents, and students with resources to help them learn about the significance of Matariki. Our educational resources are designed to be engaging and informative, while also aligning with the New Zealand curriculum.

Our lesson plans cover a range of topics related to Matariki, including the history and cultural significance of the festival. We provide activities and worksheets that are suitable for students of different ages and learning levels, making it easy for teachers to integrate Matariki into their classroom curriculum.

Our resources also include suggestions for arts and crafts projects that students can create to celebrate Matariki. These projects allow students to explore their creativity while learning about the cultural significance of the festival.

We understand that learning about Matariki can be a fun and interactive experience, which is why we offer a range of educational resources that are designed to engage and inspire students. Our resources are constantly updated to ensure that they remain relevant and effective, making it easy for teachers to incorporate Matariki into their teaching plans.

Discover the Magic of Matariki with Matariki.co.nz – Your Ultimate Resource for Celebrating Matariki in New Zealand

At Matariki.co.nz, we believe that everyone can take part in the celebrations of Matariki. Whether you are a Māori or non-Māori, a long-time New Zealand resident or a new visitor to our beautiful country, there is something for everyone to discover and enjoy during this time.

By exploring our website, you can deepen your knowledge and understanding of Matariki and its significance in New Zealand culture. From learning about the history of Matariki to discovering the different stars in the Pleiades cluster, you can delve into the rich cultural heritage of this celebration.

We also encourage you to participate in Matariki events and activities taking place throughout the country. By joining in the celebrations, you can experience firsthand the joy and spirit of Matariki, connect with others, and create meaningful memories with your family and friends.

So, we invite you to take a moment to explore our site and learn more about Matariki. We hope that our resources, events, and cultural guides will inspire you to join us in honoring this important tradition and celebrating the new year ahead.