For Whānau
A time to reconnect with roots. Families use this period to share stories of those who have passed and to strengthen the bonds of the living through whanaungatanga.
Aotearoa New Zealand
Matariki.
"He kura huna nō te rangi — A hidden treasure from the heavens."
Try:
Search Results
Te Tau Hou Māori
Matariki 2026.
2026 Theme
Matariki herenga waka
"Matariki, the gathering of canoes"
Matariki marks the Māori New Year—a time for remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking to the future. The 2026 theme focuses on inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together as one.
Official Public Holiday
Friday, 10 July 2026
Rising Period (Observation)
6 July – 13 July
Ceremony Essentials
TraditionHerenga Waka
The mooring of canoes. Symbolizing how Matariki brings different people and communities together in a shared identity.
Whakapapa
A time to recite lineages and connect with the star Pōhutukawa to remember those who passed in the previous year.
Wānanga
The sharing of knowledge and learning. Communities gather to discuss the environment, the stars, and plans for the future.
Te Hautapu
The primary ritual involving the offering of food to the stars. Best observed between July 7th and 9th at dawn.
Observation Guide
Matariki 2026:
Select Region
Matariki 2026:
The Rising Schedule.
The Arapiki (rising period) is the 8-day window when Matariki reappears. Use this schedule to plan your hautapu ceremonies and community dawn gatherings.
The pre-dawn Arapiki horizon.
Optimal viewing: 6:00 AM – 6:30 AM. Public holiday: Friday, July 10th. Face the Northeast horizon 30 mins before dawn.
A Modern Perspective
Matariki
Matariki
For You.
In a fast-paced digital world, Matariki offers a vital "pause point." It is more than a public holiday; it is a framework for modern living, encouraging us to look back at our heritage, reset our present, and plant seeds for the future.
Scroll to explore
In the Workplace
Matariki shifts the focus from "output" to "outlook." Modern organizations use it for collective planning, celebrating team achievements, and acknowledging our environment.
Personal Wellbeing
Acting as a "winter reset," it encourages self-reflection and mental clarity. It’s an opportunity to let go of stresses and set intentions for balance.
Communities
Beyond the individual, it sparks community service. Many use the time for mahinga kai (food gathering) or local planting projects to restore the land.
"In modern Aotearoa, Matariki has evolved into a national moment of mindfulness—reminding us that to move forward with purpose, we must first find peace in our past."
Mindful Living
Cultural Resurgence
Environmental Future
Tikanga & Astronomy
Puanga & Matariki: Regional Wisdom.
Aotearoa is a land of diverse landscapes. From the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps to the deep river valleys of the Whanganui, our view of the heavens is shaped by where we stand. This diversity birthed two primary traditions for the Māori New Year: Matariki and Puanga.
Geographic Necessity
In the west and far north, the Matariki cluster sits low on the horizon, often obscured by the great mountains (Maunga) or the heavy coastal mist of the winter solstice.
For Iwi like Taranaki, Whanganui, Te Whakatōhea, and Te Tai Tokerau, Puanga (Rigel) is the principal star. It sits much higher in the sky and is the brightest star in the Orion constellation, making it visible even when atmospheric conditions are poor.
"Puanga is the herald who arrives first to clear the way for Matariki." — Tribal Proverb
The Celestial Calendar
The West Coast Horizon
Observing the heavens from the shadows of Taranaki Maunga requires looking for the brightest light.
The "Lead" Star
In Māori navigation and timekeeping, stars rarely act alone. Puanga is often called Puanga-nui-a-te-rangi (Great Puanga of the Heavens). Because it rises earlier and higher than Matariki, it serves as a "warning" or "lead" star.
- Prediction: If Puanga is clear and bright, a productive and warm season is expected.
- Alignment: Puanga aligns with the winter solstice, marking the precise turn of the year.
Ritual & Tikanga
Traditions for Puanga mirror those of Matariki but with a distinct regional flavor. In the Whanganui region, the focus is heavily on the Awa (River).
Wānanga
The time for teaching and passing down tribal history.
Whakaute
Paying respect to those who have passed since the last rising.
Direct Comparison
Understanding the astronomical and cultural specifics of both beacons.
| Scientific & Cultural Marker | Matariki (Pleiades) | Puanga (Rigel) |
|---|---|---|
| Star Classification | Open cluster of B-type stars (approx. 1,000 stars) | Triple star system; primary is a Blue Supergiant |
| Constellation | Taurus (The Bull) | Orion (The Hunter) |
| Spiritual Essence | The Mother and her daughters; reflection | The High Priest; navigator and provider |
| Traditional Use | Planting calendars and weather patterns | Harvesting seafood and forest birds |
| Timing | Rising in late June or early July | Rises slightly earlier in the winter sky |
The Sacred Ceremony
Hautapu.
A ritual of remembrance and connection, honoring the environment and looking forward to the promise of a new year through the earth and the stars.
The Domains
Te Kohi Kai
Gathering foods that represent the major environmental domains of Aotearoa: Tupu-ā-nuku (garden), Tupu-ā-rangi (forest), Waitī (fresh water), and Waitā (sea).
THE DOMAINS
The Altar
Te Whakarite
Cooking offerings in a sacred earth oven (umu). Participants engage in Te Maumaharatanga, remembering those who have passed and calling their names to the stars.
COOKING METHODS
The Offering
Te Hautapu
As the clusters rise, the oven is opened. The rising steam (Te Hau) carries the essence of the food to feed the stars while Tohunga recite sacred karakia.
VIEW KARAKIA
The Unity
Te Kai Tahi
After the sacred ceremony, the community shares the physical food. This act of Whakanoa brings people back to the common world in a state of unity and joy.
HOST A FEAST
Celestial Knowledge
The Nine Guardians.
The Matariki cluster is a family of nine stars, each holding a unique connection to our environment, our history, and our aspirations for the seasons ahead.
Matariki
Domain
The Mother & Wellbeing
Significance
The central star that gathers the people together. She represents reflection, connection, and the overall health of the community.
Tupu-ā-nuku
Domain
Food from the Soil
Significance
Guardian of everything that grows within the soil to be harvested or gathered for food, such as kūmara and edible plants.
Tupu-ā-rangi
Domain
Food from the Sky
Significance
Associated with everything that grows up in the trees: fruits, berries, and the birds that dwell within the forest canopy.
Waitī
Domain
Freshwater Ecosystems
Significance
Connected to all fresh water—rivers, streams, and lakes—and the many creatures that live within them.
Waitā
Domain
The Ocean & Saltwater
Significance
Guardian of the moana (sea) and its vast resources. Waitā looks after the many species of fish and seaweed.
Waipuna-ā-rangi
Domain
Rain and Atmosphere
Significance
Connected to the rain, mist, and snow. She watches over the cycle of water as it falls from the heavens.
Ururangi
Domain
The Winds
Significance
Determines the nature of the winds for the year. His presence reminds us of the power and energy of the air around us.
Pōhutukawa
Domain
Remembering the Dead
Significance
The star connected to those who have passed away. She provides a space to mourn, remember, and honor our ancestors.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi
Domain
Aspiring for the Future
Significance
The 'wishing star' that carries our hopes and dreams for the coming year. She represents growth and prosperity.
Pōhutukawa & The Departed
Remembrance
Remembrance
& Reflection.
Matariki is the time when the star Pōhutukawa connects the living to those who have passed.
The Ritual of Calling
During the pre-dawn rising, tradition dictates a moment of profound silence followed by the vocalization of names to guide spirits to the stars.
Kua whetūrangitia koe
"You have now become a star." A powerful acknowledgment of transition, celebrating the legacy left behind by those we love.
Ready to remember?
Create a lasting tribute for your loved ones now. Quickly search through our community’s digital memorials. Find a space to share photos, stories, and more, all seeking to keep their beautiful legacy alive.
Reflection Guide
01
Whakamahara
Prepare a list of those you wish to honor as the first light touches the earth.
02
Pūkōrero
Identify a single, guiding lesson they left behind that you will champion this year.
03
Aromatawai
How does their life force and legacy continue to shape your current path?
Observation 2026
Puna Mātauranga
Knowledge
View All Resources
Knowledge
Hub.
Best Stargazing Spots in Auckland 2026
From Shakespear Regional Park to Aotea, discover the darkest skies for viewing the cluster this winter.
Read Guide
Teaching Matariki in Schools
Ready to teach? Access all Puanga and Matariki lesson plans now. Quickly search through our community of curated educator resources. Find classroom activities, worksheets, and more, all seeking to inspire the next generation.
View Teaching Plans
Nationwide Celebration Schedule
Explore a curated list of hautapu ceremonies, light shows, and community festivals across Aotearoa.
Explore Events
Authority & Understanding
FAQ.
Authorized cultural guidance for 2026. Explore common questions regarding the timing, traditions, and significance of the Māori New Year.
2026 Cultural Guidance: Honor the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future.
01
What is Matariki and why is it celebrated?
Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster. Its rising in mid-winter marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. It is celebrated to acknowledge the end of the harvest, to remember ancestors who have passed, and to plan for the year ahead with family and community.
- New Year
- Māori Tradition
02
What is the meaning of the word Matariki?
The name "Matariki" is an abbreviation of Ngā Mata a te Ariki Tāwhirimātea (The Eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea). It is also commonly translated as "tiny eyes" or "eyes of the god," symbolizing the stars watching over the land and its people.
- Etymology
- Tāwhirimātea
03
How to wish a happy Matariki in Māori?
The most appropriate way to greet someone is "Mānawatia a Matariki", which means "Celebrate Matariki." You can also say "Ngā mihi o te tau hou" for "Happy New Year."
- Mānawatia a Matariki
- Greetings
04
What are 5 key facts about Matariki?
1. Astronomical Indicator: It is one of the closest star clusters to Earth and is visible to the naked eye.
2. Three Pillars: The celebration is built on Remembrance (the past), Celebrating (the present), and Looking Forward (the future).
3. The Nine Stars: While a large cluster, Māori traditions usually identify nine specific stars, each with a unique domain.
4. Variable Dates: The holiday date changes annually based on the Maramataka (lunar calendar).
5. National Recognition: Since 2022, Matariki has been an official public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Essential Knowledge
05
What time does Matariki rise in 2026?
In 2026, Matariki is expected to rise in the pre-dawn sky between late June and early July. The peak period of observation and the public holiday is Friday, July 10, 2026.
- July 10, 2026
06
What does “Herenga Waka” mean?
The 2026 theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, means "The Gathering of Many Canoes." It emphasizes social cohesion and the tethering of diverse groups together for a collective journey forward.
- 2026 Theme
07
Is Matariki religious?
Matariki is a secular and cultural observance. While it involves spiritual elements of connection and remembrance, it is not tied to any specific religion and is open to all.
- Secular
08
What if Matariki is not visible?
Many Iwi, particularly on the West Coast or in deep valleys, look to Puanga (Rigel). While a different star, it serves the same purpose as the harbinger of the New Year for those regions.
- Puanga
09
How do the stars predict the year ahead?
Tohunga (experts) look at the brightness and clarity of the stars. Clear, bright stars signal a warm, productive season (a good harvest). If they appear hazy or shimmering, it warns of a cold, challenging winter or a poor growing season ahead.
- Prediction
- Environment