Matariki 2025 Friday 20th June

Posted On 2024

Matariki 2025 – A Time to Reflect, Reconnect, and Look to the Stars

As the midwinter sky darkens over Aotearoa, a cluster of shimmering stars begins to rise in the early morning horizon — marking the arrival of Matariki 2025. Falling on Friday, 20 June, this special day is now recognised as a national public holiday, offering all New Zealanders a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

But Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Māori astronomy and storytelling, it heralds the Māori New Year — a time to honour those who have passed, celebrate the present with whānau (family), and plant seeds of hope for the future. It’s a uniquely Kiwi celebration, rich in heritage and meaning, and increasingly embraced by people from all walks of life.

In 2025, Matariki takes on new depth. As it becomes more woven into the national consciousness, families across the motu (country) are finding creative, meaningful, and fun ways to bring it into their homes, schools, and communities. From stargazing adventures and traditional kai (food) to children’s art projects and eco-friendly celebrations, Matariki is becoming a festival where the wisdom of the past meets the curiosity of the next generation.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the origins and meaning of Matariki, share how it’s celebrated across Aotearoa, and offer modern, kid-friendly ways to take part. Whether you’re deeply connected to Māori culture or just starting your journey of understanding, Matariki 2025 is a moment for all of us — a chance to look up at the stars, remember where we’ve come from, and dream boldly about where we’re going.

What is Matariki? Understanding the Māori New Year

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars known globally as the Pleiades or Seven Sisters. In Aotearoa, the rising of Matariki in midwinter signals the start of the Māori New Year — a sacred time for reflection, renewal, and reconnection.

For Māori, Matariki is not just an astronomical event; it’s a deeply spiritual and cultural tradition. When the stars appear in the early morning sky (just before sunrise), it marks a new beginning — a time to mourn loved ones who have passed, celebrate life in the present, and prepare for the future. Each year, this celestial event offers a powerful reminder of our place in the natural world and the importance of whānau, whakapapa (genealogy), and whenua (land).

🌟 The Origins of Matariki

The word Matariki has two parts in Te Reo Māori:

“Mata” – meaning eyes
“Ariki” – meaning chief

Together, Matariki is often translated as “the eyes of the chief.” According to one popular Māori legend, the stars represent the eyes of Tāwhirimātea, the god of winds and weather, who tore them from his face and threw them into the sky in grief after the separation of his parents, Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother).

This story, among many others, reflects the rich oral traditions passed down through generations. These traditions connect people not only to the stars, but to each other, the land, and their ancestors.

🌿 A Time of Three Sacred Pillars

Matariki is often understood through three main themes that continue to guide celebrations today:

Remembrance – Honouring those we have lost
Matariki begins with a time of mourning, where families remember loved ones who have passed during the year. It is a chance to speak their names, share stories, and acknowledge their lives in a collective space of aroha (love).
Celebration – Giving thanks for the present
After remembrance comes celebration — a time to share kai, enjoy music and dance, and spend time with whānau and friends. It’s a joyful moment of gratitude for life, health, and community.
Aspiration – Looking ahead with hope
The final theme focuses on the future. People make wishes, set goals, and plant seeds for the coming year — both literally and metaphorically. Children especially are encouraged to think about their dreams, their role in caring for the world, and the kind of future they want to create.

✨ Why Matariki Matters Today

In a fast-paced world, Matariki offers something we all need — a pause. It’s a reminder that time doesn’t only move forward — it also moves in cycles, just like the stars. Matariki teaches us to slow down, reflect, reconnect with our roots, and live in tune with the seasons.

As more Kiwis embrace Matariki each year, its importance continues to grow — not just as a cultural celebration, but as a national movement that blends ancient wisdom with modern values. It encourages environmental care, strong families, community connection, and spiritual wellbeing.

For tamariki (children), it’s also a time of wonder — a time when the stars tell stories, the night sky becomes a classroom, and learning feels magical.

Matariki as a Public Holiday in Aotearoa

In 2022, Matariki became New Zealand’s first Indigenous public holiday, marking a significant moment in our country’s journey toward recognising Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview) and embracing a shared cultural identity.

For many New Zealanders, public holidays often mean a break from work or school — but Matariki is different. It’s not about shopping sales or commercial promotions. Instead, Matariki is a day for reflection, remembrance, and reconnection — with whānau, with community, and with the land.

🗓️ Matariki 2025 Date: Friday, 20 June 2025

The date of Matariki shifts slightly each year, depending on the lunar calendar and astronomical observations of the star cluster. For Matariki 2025, the public holiday falls on Friday, 20 June, offering a long weekend and a chance for families to come together in the middle of winter.

Choosing the right date each year involves consultation with Māori astronomers and iwi experts, ensuring the timing aligns with traditional mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems). This process reflects the deep respect for Māori cultural authority and honours the knowledge that has guided generations.

🌏 More Than Just a Day Off

Making Matariki a public holiday wasn’t simply about adding another long weekend to the calendar. It was about recognising the depth and value of Māori culture within the national fabric of Aotearoa. It symbolises:

A growing commitment to biculturalism
The revival of Indigenous knowledge
A shared moment for all New Zealanders to pause and reflect together

It’s also a chance for those who are not Māori to learn, listen, and participate respectfully in the traditions and stories that make this country unique.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How Kiwis Are Embracing It

Across the motu (country), schools, marae, councils, and community groups are embracing Matariki in meaningful ways:

Hosting dawn ceremonies and hautapu rituals
Organising star-gazing nights, storytelling events, and lantern parades
Creating whānau-friendly events, workshops, and cultural festivals

For many families, Matariki has quickly become a treasured part of the calendar — especially for children, who are learning about the stars, the environment, and Māori legends in fun, interactive ways. For parents, it’s a welcome chance to spend intentional time together, away from screens and distractions, connected through story, kai, and creativity.

💬 A Living Celebration

Matariki continues to evolve each year — not in a way that changes its essence, but in how it’s expressed, embraced, and shared. It is a living celebration, grounded in ancient traditions but reaching into the hearts of modern New Zealanders of all backgrounds.

As we approach Matariki 2025, the holiday is no longer something new — it’s becoming a beloved national tradition. One that’s inclusive, uplifting, and deeply rooted in the land, the sky, and the stories that connect us all.

The Stars of Matariki – Their Names and Meanings

At the heart of Matariki 2025 lies the constellation that gives this celebration its name — a cluster of stars known in Māori as Matariki, and internationally as the Pleiades. While many cultures across the world observe this constellation, in Aotearoa, it holds a uniquely Māori meaning — one that’s deeply spiritual, agricultural, and familial.

Traditionally, Māori would observe the brightness, position, and clarity of each star to forecast the coming year’s weather, harvest, and wellbeing. Today, these stars are still honoured for their connection to the natural world, our ancestors, and our aspirations for the future.

There are nine stars in the Matariki cluster that are officially recognised in Te Ao Māori. Each star has its own name, role, and cultural significance.

🌟 1. Matariki – The Mother Star

Role: The heart of the cluster; the mother of the other stars.
Meaning: Represents hope, wellbeing, health, and the connection between people and the environment.
Modern Reflection: Encourages families to check in on each other’s emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

🌾 2. Tupuānuku – Food Grown in the Earth

Meaning: Symbolises crops and food grown in the soil — like kūmara (sweet potato), potatoes, and vegetables.
Activities: Many whānau plant gardens or trees during Matariki in honour of Tupuānuku.
For Kids: Encourage planting seeds or learning about how food grows.

🌿 3. Tupuārangi – Food from the Sky

Meaning: Represents food from trees and birds, including berries, fruits, and birds like kererū.
Traditional Relevance: Māori would observe this star to know the abundance of forest food.
Modern Connection: Highlights the importance of respecting forests and native species.

💧 4. Waitī – Freshwater and Its Creatures

Meaning: Associated with lakes, rivers, streams, and the life within them — eels, fish, and freshwater ecosystems.
For Families: Great time to visit a local awa (river) and talk about water conservation.

🌊 5. Waitā – The Ocean and Saltwater Life

Meaning: Guardian of the moana (sea), marine life, and our oceans.
Focus: Sustainability, fishing practices, and respecting Tangaroa, the god of the sea.
For Kids: Beach clean-ups or learning about sea animals is a fun way to honour Waitā.

🌧️ 6. Waipuna-ā-Rangi – Rain and Weather

Meaning: Linked to rainfall, weather patterns, and the sky’s relationship with the earth.
Mātauranga Māori: This star helps forecast how wet or dry the year might be.
Reflection: Encourages us to respect nature’s rhythms and embrace winter.

💨 7. Ururangi – The Winds and Sky

Meaning: Governs the winds and how they move across the land.
Role: Māori observed Ururangi to predict storms or gentle breezes ahead.
Symbolism: Teaches flexibility and moving with change — a great lesson for all ages.

🌺 8. Pōhutukawa – Honouring the Dead

Meaning: This sacred star is associated with those who have passed on.
Role: During Matariki, names of the deceased are often spoken and remembered under Pōhutukawa.
Activity: A peaceful moment of remembrance with family or at community gatherings.

🌠 9. Hiwa-i-te-Rangi – Dreams and Aspirations

Meaning: The wishing star, symbolising goals, dreams, and future plans.
Tradition: Māori would make wishes for the new year to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi.
For Tamariki: Encourage children to write down or draw their dreams and goals.

🌌 Making It Meaningful for Families and Schools

Understanding the Matariki stars is a beautiful way to connect kids with culture, nature, and values. Here are a few simple, family-friendly ideas:

Create a star map and label each of the 9 stars
Make crafts or drawings based on each star’s meaning
Plan a family wish night, sharing hopes for the year
Visit a local planetarium or use stargazing apps to find Matariki

These stars are more than dots in the sky. They are storytellers, teachers, and guides — helping us remember who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. As Matariki 2025 approaches, learning the names and meanings of the stars brings us all a little closer to the wisdom of Te Ao Māori — and to one another.

How Matariki is Celebrated – Traditional and Modern Expressions of the Māori New Year

Matariki 2025 is not only a time to look to the stars — it’s a time to come together. Across Aotearoa, whānau, schools, iwi, and communities celebrate in unique ways, combining traditional customs with modern creativity.

Whether it’s a dawn ceremony on a marae, a classroom art project, or a night of stargazing in the backyard, Matariki is now recognised as a living celebration that continues to grow, evolve, and include people from all cultures.

🌿 Traditional Matariki Celebrations

For generations, Māori communities have marked Matariki through rituals rooted in mātauranga Māori (ancestral knowledge). These customs acknowledge the cycles of life, nature, and time. Many of these practices are still honoured today, particularly on marae and within iwi-led events.

🔥 Hautapu Ceremony

A sacred dawn ritual where kai (food) is cooked over an open fire and offered to the stars.
Steam from the food is believed to rise up to the heavens, nourishing the stars and connecting the living with those who have passed.
It includes karakia (prayers), waiata (songs), and moments of silence.

🕯️ Remembrance of Loved Ones

Families gather to speak the names of those who have died in the past year.
This is often done in the presence of Pōhutukawa, the star representing the deceased.
It’s a quiet, powerful moment of shared memory and healing.

🍲 Hākari (Feasting)

Like many cultures, Māori mark important times with kai and celebration.
After the ceremonial parts of Matariki, families share a communal meal.
Food from land, sea, and sky is prepared — honouring the stars Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī, and Waitā.

📖 Storytelling and Oral Traditions

Elders share legends, proverbs, and whakataukī (traditional sayings) with the younger generation.
Matariki is a time for passing on knowledge, connecting with whakapapa (ancestry), and strengthening identity.

🌟 Modern Celebrations Across Aotearoa

As more New Zealanders embrace Matariki 2025, new ways of celebrating continue to emerge — blending ancient values with modern community spirit, creativity, and inclusion.

🎨 School Projects & Classroom Activities

Many schools now dedicate a Matariki learning week or celebration day.
Tamariki create:
- Star-themed artwork
- Wishing trees
- Matariki journals and poetry
Some schools host marae visits, kapa haka performances, or special assemblies.

✨ Light Shows, Parades & Festivals

Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Rotorua host spectacular Matariki light festivals — lighting up the night with projections, lanterns, and storytelling.
Lantern parades, firework-free celebrations, and night markets honour the stars in family-friendly ways.

🔭 Stargazing Nights

Community-led events at marae, observatories, and parks allow families to gaze at Matariki before dawn.
Local astronomers or iwi guides help people locate the cluster and explain the stories behind the stars.

📺 Matariki in Media

Each year, more TV specials, short films, podcasts, and animated kids’ content are created to help everyone understand Matariki.
Platforms like TVNZ, RNZ, and Māori Television offer beautifully crafted stories in both English and Te Reo Māori.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Matariki at Home: Simple Ways Families Can Celebrate

Even without formal events, families can honour Matariki 2025 in their own meaningful ways:

Cook a shared meal using seasonal or native ingredients
Share memories of loved ones around the table
Write down dreams and goals for the year ahead
Light candles in remembrance or place photos of tūpuna (ancestors) on a family table
Switch off devices and spend the night under the stars
Do something kind for the community — like donating food or planting a tree

🌱 A Living Tradition That Welcomes All

One of the most beautiful aspects of Matariki is that it’s not static — it welcomes adaptation, participation, and learning. You don’t need to be an expert or have Māori heritage to take part. What matters is the intention: slowing down, reconnecting with your loved ones, honouring the earth, and looking ahead with purpose.

As Matariki 2025 draws near, communities across Aotearoa will continue to find new and inclusive ways to celebrate — with tamariki at the heart of many of these traditions, ensuring the stories, values, and stars are passed on for generations to come.

Matariki for Families and Kids – A Modern Twist on a Timeless Tradition

One of the most powerful things about Matariki 2025 is how it brings generations together. For tamariki (children), this special time is a chance to learn, wonder, and connect — not just with their whānau, but with the stars, the stories, and the deeper meaning of being part of Aotearoa.

In today’s fast-paced world, Matariki offers something many families crave: a chance to slow down, reflect, and grow closer — while honouring values like kindness, gratitude, nature, and remembrance. With a little creativity, Matariki can be both meaningful and fun for kids of all ages.

🏡 Bringing Matariki into the Home

You don’t need a big event or a trip to a festival to celebrate Matariki. Many families are creating small, powerful traditions at home that children look forward to each year.

✨ Ideas to Try at Home:

Make a Matariki Wishing Jar
Each family member writes down a goal, dream, or wish for the year and places it in a decorated jar. Revisit them next Matariki to see what’s changed.
Star-themed Crafts and Art
Use natural or recycled materials to create stars, mobiles, or wall art. Each star could represent a member of the whānau or one of the nine Matariki stars.
Story Time by Candlelight
Turn off the lights, light a few candles, and share pūrākau (Māori legends) or family stories. It’s a beautiful way to connect tamariki with oral traditions.
Matariki Dinner Night
Plan a special meal where everyone helps prepare kai. Include seasonal foods, veggies from the garden, or even a new recipe. Talk about the meaning of the stars as you eat.

📚 Learning Through Play and Projects

Children learn best through doing — so Matariki becomes even more special when it’s woven into activities that spark curiosity and creativity.

🌟 Educational Fun:

Create a Matariki Star Wheel
Print or draw the nine stars of Matariki with their names and meanings. Use it to teach tamariki how to identify them in the sky.
Build a Star Gazing Kit
Include binoculars, a blanket, a thermos with hot chocolate, and a Matariki star map. Plan an early morning stargazing adventure.
Matariki Music and Dance
Many schools and whānau perform kapa haka or write songs inspired by Matariki. Try composing a family waiata or dance.
Interactive Apps and Tools
Use apps like Stellarium or Night Sky to locate the Matariki cluster. YouTube also has animated Matariki stories for younger viewers.

🧒 For Schools and Early Learning Centres

Matariki 2025 is widely celebrated in New Zealand schools and early childhood centres. Teachers are increasingly weaving Mātauranga Māori into their curriculum in meaningful, hands-on ways.

📘 Classroom Ideas:

Matariki Learning Walls: Each child contributes artwork or writing about one of the stars.
Garden Projects: Plant native trees or create a shared veggie patch.
Cultural Exchange: Invite local kaumātua (elders) or iwi representatives to share stories and knowledge.
Art and Performance: Create shadow puppets or skits to retell Māori legends. Perform a Matariki-inspired haka or waiata.

🎒 Take-Home Packs:

Many schools now send home Matariki activity kits with star maps, colouring pages, recipes, and storytelling prompts. These help bring the celebration into the home and get families involved.

🌍 Modern Resources for Modern Families

Even in a digital age, Matariki can stay relevant and exciting for tech-savvy tamariki. Use technology to support — not replace — the values of connection and culture.

Helpful Tools:

Online Videos & Animated Shorts: Check out Māori Television or Heihei (the children’s streaming platform from TVNZ).
Printable Activity Sheets: Available from the Ministry of Education, NZ History, and local libraries.
Virtual Matariki Events: Some museums and marae host online storytelling or workshops families can attend from home.

❤️ Building Lasting Memories

What makes Matariki so special for tamariki isn’t just what they learn — it’s how it makes them feel. The sense of belonging, the comfort of being with whānau, the magic of stars overhead, and the joy of sharing a story or a meal — these are the memories that stay.

By making Matariki 2025 a hands-on, heart-filled experience, you’re not just passing on knowledge — you’re helping to raise a generation of New Zealanders who understand the value of reflection, gratitude, heritage, and hope.

Matariki Around Aotearoa: Community Events 2025

Across the motu, Matariki 2025 will be celebrated with vibrant, heartfelt events — from quiet dawn ceremonies to spectacular light shows. Whether you’re in a large city or a small town, chances are there’s a community-led Matariki celebration near you. These events bring together people of all backgrounds to honour the Māori New Year through culture, creativity, and connection.

This year, with Friday, 20 June 2025 marking the public holiday, many communities are planning multi-day festivals that blend tradition with modern flair, offering something for everyone — especially tamariki and whānau.

🌃 Major Matariki Events in 2025 – Region by Region

🟡 Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau

Matariki Festival Auckland: A month-long celebration culminating in a public light show, kapa haka performances, and storytelling events at Aotea Square, Silo Park, and Auckland Domain.
Stargazing at Stardome Observatory: Guided Matariki astronomy sessions and interactive exhibits for families.
Marae-based events: Many urban marae hold welcoming ceremonies and hākari (feasts) open to the public.

🟠 Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Waterfront Light Trails: The city’s waterfront becomes a canvas for Matariki-themed installations and night markets.
Te Papa Museum: Hosts cultural workshops, traditional music, and children’s craft activities tied to the nine Matariki stars.
Mt Victoria Stargazing: Family-friendly dawn viewing of the Matariki cluster with local astronomers and iwi educators.

🔵 Christchurch / Ōtautahi

Botanic Gardens Fire-Free Light Show: A beautiful, sensory experience of projected art and sound in honour of the stars.
Community Matariki Hākari: Held in local parks and schools, with shared food, crafts, and whānau games.
School showcases: Many local schools open their doors for kapa haka and student-led exhibitions.

🟣 Rotorua / Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe

Matariki Ki Rotorua: A high-energy programme with carving demonstrations, traditional kai stalls, storytelling under the stars, and waiata performances.
Te Puia Māori Arts and Crafts Institute: Hosts cultural workshops, star dome viewings, and hautapu ceremonies.

🟢 Dunedin / Ōtepoti

Matariki on the Octagon: Cultural performances and fire-lit parades in the city centre.
Otago Museum Events: Stargazing sessions with Māori astronomers, storytelling for tamariki, and educational exhibits.
Hui on Sustainability and Mātauranga Māori: Public discussions on Matariki values and environmental care.

🎪 Smaller Towns and Local Celebrations

Even smaller towns across Aotearoa are creating beautiful and meaningful Matariki experiences. Community centres, libraries, churches, marae, and schools are all getting involved, often with the help of local iwi and volunteers. Look out for:

Star-themed craft workshops
Community feasts or potlucks
Local storytelling nights
Family picnics and tree planting days

Be sure to check your local council websites, libraries, or community Facebook pages for Matariki event calendars.

💡 Tips for Attending with Tamariki

Dress Warm
Matariki takes place in winter, and many events happen before sunrise or at night — so layer up, bring hats and gloves, and pack a thermos of something warm.
Arrive Early for Dawn Ceremonies
Some hautapu or stargazing events start before 6am — plan ahead and scout parking or transport options the day before.
Look for Kid-Friendly Zones
Larger festivals often have areas with face painting, storytelling tents, and simple activities to keep little ones engaged.
Bring a Blanket or Mat
Whether sitting at a light show or lying under the stars, having something comfortable can make the experience more enjoyable.
Respect the Space
Remember that some events are ceremonial or spiritual in nature — guide your tamariki on how to participate respectfully.

🌌 Virtual Events and Livestreams

Can’t make it to a public event? No problem. Many organisations offer online Matariki experiences, including:

Livestreamed dawn ceremonies
Virtual storytelling events
Zoom workshops on star navigation and crafting
Pre-recorded educational sessions for schools and home learners

Keep an eye on websites like:

🧭 Celebrating Near or Far – Matariki is for Everyone

Whether you’re attending a large-scale event or watching the stars rise from your backyard, Matariki 2025 is about connection — to your family, your history, your community, and the land beneath your feet. The beauty of Matariki is that it welcomes everyone into its fold, no matter where you are or how you celebrate.

Honouring Mātauranga Māori – The Knowledge Behind Matariki

To truly understand the meaning of Matariki 2025, it’s essential to recognise the wisdom and worldviews that sit at its heart. At the core of Matariki is Mātauranga Māori — the traditional knowledge, science, and philosophy passed down through generations of Māori.

Far from being a myth or outdated practice, Mātauranga Māori is a living, evolving system of knowledge that includes astronomy, agriculture, navigation, spirituality, ecology, and social values. It reflects a deep relationship between people, land (whenua), sky (rangi), and ancestors (tūpuna).

Matariki is one of the most visible and widely celebrated expressions of Mātauranga Māori in Aotearoa today — and every celebration is a chance to learn, uplift, and respect it.

🌌 The Stars as Teachers

Long before telescopes, Māori navigators and astronomers observed the stars to:

Guide ocean voyages using celestial navigation
Forecast seasons based on the clarity and brightness of Matariki stars
Plan harvests and planting by observing lunar and star cycles
Tell stories of gods, ancestors, and the natural world

These practices were not random; they were based on observation, experience, and ancestral wisdom that remains incredibly relevant today — especially as we face global conversations around climate, sustainability, and identity.

🌱 A Worldview Rooted in Connection

One of the most beautiful parts of Mātauranga Māori is its holistic nature. Rather than separating science, spirituality, and community, it interweaves them.

For example:

A star isn’t just a star. It might represent freshwater (Waitī) or aspirations (Hiwa-i-te-Rangi).
Planting a seed isn’t just gardening — it’s a form of care for the future, a gift to Papatūānuku (Earth Mother).
Remembering ancestors isn’t just about grief — it’s honouring whakapapa, building identity, and creating space for healing.

Through this lens, Matariki becomes much more than a holiday — it’s a time to engage with a way of thinking that values balance, respect, gratitude, and unity.

📚 Why Mātauranga Māori Matters for All Kiwis

In 2025 and beyond, New Zealanders from all backgrounds are recognising that honouring Indigenous knowledge is not about division — it’s about connection.

Here’s why Mātauranga Māori deserves respect and recognition:

It offers local, sustainable solutions to environmental issues
It encourages intergenerational learning and storytelling
It strengthens cultural identity and pride for Māori communities
It provides all New Zealanders with a richer, more meaningful connection to this land

🎓 Teaching Mātauranga Māori in Schools

Across Aotearoa, educators are weaving Mātauranga Māori into science, history, and arts lessons — especially during the lead-up to Matariki. Students explore:

The nine stars of Matariki and their environmental connections
Traditional food and planting cycles
Māori navigation techniques
Whakataukī (proverbs) and the lessons they hold

By learning this knowledge in respectful, age-appropriate ways, tamariki are growing up with a stronger sense of belonging, cultural appreciation, and curiosity.

🤝 How to Celebrate Matariki Respectfully

If you’re new to Matariki or Mātauranga Māori, here are a few guiding principles for approaching it with aroha and integrity:

Learn with an open heart. Use resources created by Māori voices.
Attend events led by iwi or Māori educators.
Support kaupapa Māori initiatives during Matariki — from local artists to food growers.
Encourage tamariki to explore the deeper meaning behind traditions, not just the activities.
Acknowledge the source. When using stories or knowledge, credit the iwi or community where it comes from if known.

✨ A Time to Reconnect with Indigenous Wisdom

Matariki is a gateway into the depth and brilliance of Mātauranga Māori — and it invites all of us, regardless of heritage, to slow down, listen, learn, and reflect.

As Matariki 2025 rises, let it be a reminder that the stars above have always held stories — and now, more than ever, we are listening.

Sustainability and Matariki – Caring for Papatūānuku

At its heart, Matariki 2025 is more than a cultural celebration — it’s a reminder of our deep connection to the natural world. For Māori, the stars of Matariki are not only celestial markers but guardians of the land, sea, and sky. Their rising signals a time to reflect not only on our past and future, but on how we treat Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother.

In an age where climate change and environmental issues are at the forefront of global conversations, the values embedded in Matariki — care, respect, sustainability, and renewal — feel more relevant than ever.

🌍 Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship of the Earth

One of the most important values in Mātauranga Māori is kaitiakitanga, the concept of being a guardian of nature. It’s the idea that we don’t own the earth — we are part of it, and we have a responsibility to care for it.

Matariki encourages people to live in harmony with the environment, to give back what we take, and to think long-term — just like Māori communities have done for centuries through sustainable fishing, seasonal planting, and respect for ecosystems.

🌱 Modern Eco-Actions Inspired by Matariki

As we prepare for Matariki 2025, individuals, whānau, and communities are finding modern ways to express these timeless values. Here are some simple yet powerful ways to honour Papatūānuku this Matariki:

🌿 1. Plant Something for the Future

Start a veggie patch or plant native trees.
Encourage tamariki to plant and name a tree in honour of Hiwa-i-te-Rangi (the star of dreams and wishes).

🍽️ 2. Create a Low-Waste Feast

Use reusable containers and plates.
Reduce food waste by cooking with seasonal, local ingredients (celebrating Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi).
Share leftovers with neighbours or those in need.

♻️ 3. Upcycle Matariki Decorations

Make lanterns, stars, and crafts using recycled paper, cardboard, or natural materials like leaves, flax, or shells.

🌊 4. Join a Local Clean-Up or Conservation Project

Help tidy a local park, beach, or stream (honouring Waitī and Waitā).
Support organisations working to protect native species and waterways.

🔌 5. Have a Whānau ‘Lights Out’ Night

Turn off the lights, head outdoors, and stargaze.
Talk about energy use, how to reduce your footprint, and how ancestors navigated by the stars.

👧🏽 Teaching Tamariki Environmental Responsibility

Matariki is a perfect time to involve children in eco-actions that feel purposeful and empowering. When tied to the stars and stories of Matariki, these actions become more than just chores — they become part of something bigger.

Ideas for Kids:

Keep a “Matariki Earth Journal” — drawing or writing about daily efforts to care for the planet.
Create a poster about one of the stars and its link to the environment.
Participate in “star swaps” — trading plastic-wrapped lunch snacks for homemade or package-free alternatives.

🔄 Cyclical Thinking: The Natural Year

Unlike the Gregorian calendar that marks time in a straight line, Māori time is circular — shaped by seasons, moon phases, tides, and stars. Matariki is a return point — a time to assess what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and how we’ll move forward in balance with the earth.

This mindset encourages:

Taking only what you need
Giving back when you can
Living with awareness and intention

By thinking in cycles, we move away from overconsumption and toward a model of regeneration and restoration.

🤝 Matariki as a Movement for Environmental Unity

In a diverse and increasingly urban Aotearoa, Matariki is becoming a bridge — a way for people of all cultures to come together and act with shared purpose. Whether it’s through planting trees, turning compost, or learning about maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), more people are realising that caring for the land is part of caring for each other.

💚 A Green Future Begins With Us

As the stars of Matariki 2025 rise, let them inspire a commitment — not just to reflection, but to action. Let them remind us that our choices matter. That the land is watching. That the next generation is learning from everything we do.

And most of all, let them guide us to care — for the earth, for our people, and for the stars themselves.

What Matariki 2025 Means for the Future of New Zealand

As Matariki 2025 approaches, it’s clear that this once-regional, often-overlooked celebration has become something much more: a national symbol of unity, cultural pride, and renewal. What began as a Māori tradition tied to the stars has now found its way into classrooms, council chambers, town squares, and family homes all over Aotearoa.

But Matariki isn’t just about looking back — it’s also about looking forward. As a public holiday, a cultural event, and a moment of national reflection, Matariki carries with it a powerful question: What kind of future do we want to create together?

🧭 A National Identity Rooted in Respect

Matariki represents a significant shift in how we view our national holidays. Unlike holidays based on colonial or international events, Matariki is:

Uniquely ours — it doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world
Deeply connected to place — grounded in the stars above Aotearoa and the land beneath us
Inclusive by design — welcoming people of all cultures to participate with respect and aroha

The rise of Matariki shows that New Zealand is ready to embrace an identity that reflects our Indigenous roots, celebrates diversity, and values the land and sky we share.

🤝 Reconciliation Through Celebration

For many Māori, the official recognition of Matariki was more than just a policy decision — it was a step toward acknowledging the depth of Māori knowledge, spirituality, and cultural contribution to the nation. It also showed that healing and learning can happen not just through protest or policy, but through celebration, storytelling, and sharing.

As more non-Māori New Zealanders engage with Matariki each year, there’s growing potential to:

Build stronger relationships between iwi and wider communities
Restore pride in Te Reo Māori and Māori customs
Create spaces for Māori voices to lead, guide, and teach

🌟 Tamariki: The Future of Matariki

One of the most exciting things about Matariki is the way children have embraced it. For tamariki in kura kaupapa, mainstream schools, and early childhood centres, Matariki is becoming as natural to celebrate as Christmas or Easter — but with even deeper personal meaning.

As these children grow, they’ll:

Know the names of the stars before they can name cities
Feel comfortable speaking and hearing Te Reo Māori
Understand the environment as something to protect, not just use
See remembrance, gratitude, and aspiration as part of life — not just holidays

This cultural shift, grounded in the values of Matariki, is shaping a future generation that is more grounded, more connected, and more united.

📆 What’s Next for Matariki?

Matariki’s growth is far from over. In the coming years, we can expect:

New national traditions to emerge around the holiday
Increased funding and support for iwi-led events, education, and cultural revitalisation
Broader international recognition of Matariki as a unique part of New Zealand’s identity
Greater environmental awareness, inspired by the stars and the seasons

Most importantly, Matariki will continue to evolve — just like the people who celebrate it. And that’s a beautiful thing. Because traditions, like constellations, are not fixed. They grow brighter when they are shared.

🌠 A Guiding Light for a New Kind of Holiday

Matariki 2025 reminds us that public holidays don’t need to be commercialised or generic. They can be sacred, reflective, joyful, and uniquely ours. They can inspire us to pause. To grieve. To laugh. To dream.

And above all, they can bring us together — under the same sky, looking up at the same stars, hoping for a better future.

Quick Guide: Matariki 2025 at a Glance

Whether you’re just learning about Matariki or planning how to celebrate it with your whānau, this quick-reference guide gives you all the essential details about Matariki 2025 in one place.

📅 When is Matariki 2025?

Date: Friday, 20 June 2025
Type: Public Holiday in New Zealand
Why this date? It aligns with the heliacal rising of the Matariki star cluster — when the stars become visible just before sunrise in the winter sky.

🌌 What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of a cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades.
It is a time for:
- Remembrance – honouring those who have passed
- Celebration – appreciating the present
- Aspiration – looking ahead to the future

🏠 Ways to Celebrate at Home

Share a family meal using seasonal ingredients
Write wishes or goals for the coming year
Go stargazing before dawn
Create star-themed crafts with tamariki
Tell or read Māori legends and stories
Take a moment to remember loved ones

🎪 Community Events

Look out for:

Dawn ceremonies and hautapu rituals
Lantern parades and light festivals
School kapa haka performances
Storytelling nights, craft workshops, and hākari (feasts)
Many events are free and family-friendly

🌱 Matariki Values to Embrace

Whanaungatanga (family and relationships)
Manaakitanga (care and hospitality)
Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment)
Aroha (love and compassion)
Mātauranga (knowledge sharing)

📲 Helpful Resources

tepapa.govt.nz – Museum of New Zealand
maoritelevision.com – Māori content and coverage
education.govt.nz – Matariki resources for schools

Matariki 2025 is more than just a holiday — it’s a chance to reconnect with what matters most: the people around us, the earth beneath us, and the stars above.

Conclusion: Looking to the Stars, Grounded in Aroha

As Matariki 2025 rises above Aotearoa’s midwinter sky, it brings with it more than just a beautiful constellation — it brings a moment. A moment to pause, to breathe, and to remember what truly matters.

We honour the stars not because they are far away, but because they help us reflect on what’s close: our whānau, our memories, our hopes, and our home. Each light in the sky is a reminder of a deeper connection — to the earth, to each other, and to our shared story.

Matariki offers us a way forward that isn’t rushed or complicated. It invites us to:

Remember those we’ve lost with love and gratitude
Celebrate who we are with joy and togetherness
Dream of who we can become with courage and kindness

And in doing so, we strengthen something uniquely Kiwi — a national identity that’s grounded in respect for Māori culture, care for the environment, and a sense of community that welcomes all.

For our tamariki, Matariki 2025 is also a foundation. A star-lit doorway into the wisdom of Te Ao Māori, into the joy of storytelling, into the habit of looking up — and looking within.

So whether you’re gathered around a fire, lying under the stars, preparing kai with your tamariki, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect — know that you are part of something timeless. A celebration that grows stronger with each passing year.

As the proverb says:

“Matariki hunga nui – Matariki of many people.”
(Matariki brings us together.)

Let’s rise together — with hope, with memory, and with aroha — under the stars of Matariki 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions – Matariki 2025

❓ What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars also known globally as the Pleiades. Its reappearance in the early morning winter sky marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. For Māori, Matariki is a time for:

Remembering loved ones who have passed
Celebrating the present with whānau
Planning and planting hopes for the future

Matariki reflects the cyclical rhythm of life — not just a new calendar year, but a time to reflect, reset, and reconnect.

❓ When is Matariki in 2025?

In 2025, Matariki will be officially celebrated on Friday, 20 June. It is a New Zealand public holiday, and the date changes slightly each year based on astronomical observation of the Matariki star cluster and consultation with Māori astronomers and cultural leaders.

❓ Why is Matariki important?

Matariki is important because it:

Revives Indigenous knowledge and tradition
Encourages reflection, gratitude, and aspiration
Strengthens cultural identity and unity in Aotearoa
Connects people to the natural world, stars, and seasons
Recognises the value of Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge systems)

It is New Zealand’s first Indigenous public holiday and reflects our shared journey toward bicultural understanding and inclusion.

❓ How do you celebrate Matariki?

There is no single way to celebrate Matariki — and that’s part of its beauty. Common ways include:

Attending a dawn ceremony (hautapu)
Sharing kai (food) with whānau and community
Going stargazing to see the Matariki cluster
Speaking the names of loved ones who have passed
Planting trees or gardens
Telling Māori legends and stories to tamariki
Writing dreams or goals for the year ahead

Even simple gestures, like switching off lights and enjoying time together, honour the values of Matariki.

❓ What are the nine stars of Matariki and what do they represent?

Here are the nine stars and their meanings:

Star Name	Meaning
Matariki	Wellbeing, connection, and reflection
Tupuānuku	Food from the earth (plants, vegetables)
Tupuārangi	Food from the sky (birds, berries)
Waitī	Freshwater and creatures in rivers and lakes
Waitā	The ocean and marine life
Waipuna-ā-Rangi	Rain and weather
Ururangi	Winds and air currents
Pōhutukawa	Remembrance of the dead
Hiwa-i-te-Rangi	Dreams, goals, and aspirations

Each star links to part of the natural world and reflects key values in Te Ao Māori.

❓ Is Matariki just for Māori?

No. While Matariki is rooted in Māori culture, it is a celebration that welcomes all New Zealanders to take part — respectfully. The values of remembrance, gratitude, unity, sustainability, and hope for the future are universal. The key is to approach Matariki with an open heart, a willingness to learn, and respect for tikanga (customs).

❓ Is it appropriate for non-Māori to celebrate Matariki?

Yes — absolutely. In fact, celebrating Matariki respectfully helps build a stronger and more inclusive Aotearoa. Non-Māori can participate by:

Learning about the meanings of the stars
Attending local events or ceremonies
Supporting Māori-led initiatives
Teaching tamariki about Matariki through stories, songs, and crafts
Taking time to reflect and connect with nature

Being present, listening, and acknowledging the cultural significance is a powerful way to show manaakitanga (respect and hospitality).

❓ Is Matariki a school holiday?

Yes and no. Matariki is a national public holiday, so schools, kindergartens, and early childhood centres are closed on Friday, 20 June 2025. However, many schools celebrate Matariki in the weeks leading up to the date with:

Cultural activities
Star-themed art projects
Matariki performances and assemblies
Family evenings and community feasts

❓ How do I find Matariki in the sky?

To see Matariki:

Wake up just before dawn
Look northeast in the winter sky
Matariki appears low on the horizon near the Orion constellation (Te Kokotā)
It’s best seen in clear skies between late June and early July

There are also apps like Star Walk, Night Sky, or Stellarium that can help you identify the cluster.

❓ Are there any resources for celebrating Matariki with kids?

Yes! Many educational and cultural institutions provide free and accessible resources for families and schools. These include:

Printable star maps
Storybooks and animated videos
Matariki-themed songs and waiata
Activity sheets and crafts

Great places to find these:

Te Papa
Ministry of Education
Māori Television
Heihei TVNZ Kids

❓ How can I celebrate Matariki sustainably?

Honouring Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) is a key part of Matariki. You can:

Host a waste-free meal
Make crafts using natural or recycled materials
Plant native trees or a whānau garden
Spend time in nature, away from screens
Teach tamariki about kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the earth)

References

Te Papa Tongarewa – Museum of New Zealand
Matariki – Te Tau Hou Māori
Retrieved from: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz
A leading national source offering comprehensive insights into Matariki’s history, star meanings, and traditional celebrations.
Ministry of Education – Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga
Matariki Teaching and Learning Resources
Retrieved from: https://www.education.govt.nz
Provides learning materials and teaching guides for schools and whānau, with a focus on Mātauranga Māori and Matariki classroom engagement.
Matariki Advisory Committee (via Ministry for Culture and Heritage)
Matariki Public Holiday Framework
Retrieved from: https://mch.govt.nz
Outlines the process and tikanga behind choosing Matariki holiday dates, including astronomical and cultural considerations.
Royal Society Te Apārangi
Mātauranga Māori and Science
Retrieved from: https://www.royalsociety.org.nz
An exploration of how traditional Māori knowledge systems integrate with science, including astronomical understanding tied to Matariki.
Māori Television
Matariki Documentaries and Broadcasts
Retrieved from: https://www.maoritelevision.com
Offers documentaries, stories, and short films highlighting community celebrations and expert voices on Matariki.
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
Matariki: A Star Guide for Aotearoa
Retrieved from: https://www.twoa.ac.nz
An educational institution providing resources and guides on the Matariki cluster, including cultural interpretations and star meanings.
Dr. Rangi Mātāmua
Matariki: The Star of the Year (Book)
Huia Publishers, 2017.
A highly respected academic and Māori astronomer whose work has been instrumental in the revival and understanding of Matariki in modern Aotearoa.
Stellarium Web Astronomy App
Matariki (Pleiades) Location and Sky Mapping
Retrieved from: https://stellarium-web.org
Useful for families and educators wanting to identify Matariki in the sky using interactive star maps.
New Zealand Government – Public Holidays Act Amendment (Matariki)
Retrieved from: https://www.legislation.govt.nz
Official legal document confirming Matariki as an annual public holiday and outlining how the date is determined.