The Stars of Matariki - Ururangi

Connected to the power of the winds, Ururangi is revered by seafarers who know they must understand the winds in order to move under their force. In Ururangi we respect the impact of the wind on our lives, both cleansing and challenging. Matariki has always been a celebration of abundance, of reme…

The Stars of Matariki - Waipuna-ā-Rangi

The rain that offers life to our lands and people is embodied in Waipuna-ā-Rangi – the pools in the sky of Ranginui. The expert eye can look to Waipuna-ā-Rangi for guidance on the rains of the seasons ahead, which we depend upon for growth and health. Matariki has always been a celebration of abun…

The Stars of Matariki - Matariki

Matariki hunga nui. Matariki brings people together. Matariki is not only the name of the cluster, but also a star recognised as the mother of the group. The largest star, Matariki bonds us together, signifying a time to reflect on our health and wellbeing and nurture connections with family and fr…

The Stars of Matariki - Pōhutukawa

Pōhutukawa, the eldest star is also a female, with the sacred role of connecting us to loved ones we have lost in the past year. Pōhutukawa gathers the spirits of those who have passed and takes them to the sky, with our love, grief and memories. Matariki has always been a celebration of abundance…

The Stars of Matariki - Tupu-ā-rangi

The name of Tupu-ā-rangi tells us this star relates to food sourced from closer to Ranginui, the birds in the sky, fruits and berries, everything that grows in trees, or above the ground. The complementary nature of Tupu-ā-rangi and Tupu-ā-nuku reminds us of balance and sustainability. Matariki ha…

The Stars of Matariki - Hiwa-i-te-rangi

The youngest in the Kāhui, Hiwa-i-te-rangi shines as our wishing star, set with the purpose of granting our wishes and dreams for the year ahead. Sometimes known as Hiwa, this star holds our hopes, bringing us the opportunity to set our intentions and goals for a bright future. Matariki has always…

The Stars of Matariki - Tupu-ā-nuku

This star’s name tells us that it is connected to all that grows with the ground, or Papatūānuku. Crops that can be harvested or gathered for food, coming from the soil are observed with Tupuānuku. We see hope for a bountiful year ahead in Tupuānuku. Matariki has always been a celebration of abund…

The Stars of Matariki - Waitī

Waitī Fresh water is the domain of Waitī, in all its life-sustaining forms. From the streams that feed our land and our existence, to the organisms and food sources that reside within it, in Waitī we see the vitality that resides in fresh water. Matariki has always been a celebration of abundance,…

The Stars of Matariki - Waitā

Waitā The vast oceans and all they contain are reflected in Waitā. A rich and crucial source of food, the salt water seas are connected to Waitā and we acknowledge the role this force has in our lives, our land and the food we are able to gather when we herald Waitā Matariki has always been a cele…

Introducing Matariki

Matariki has always been a celebration of abundance, of remembrance, unity and hope for the future, it's an opportunity for us all to consider what Matariki can mean to us, when we know more about it. This podcast explains the history of Matariki and the reflects on the individual stars in the clu…