Mātariki in the year 2025: Preparation and Celebration of the Māori New Year
Aotearoa New Zealand to Celebrate Matariki, Maori New Year, on June 20
Aotearoa New Zealand will commemorate the Matariki star cluster, signifying the Maori New Year, on June 20. This annual event, steeped in cultural significance and renewal, marks the rising of Matariki.
Matariki - Star Associations
In the Maori cosmology, each star within the Matariki cluster signifies distinct aspects of wellbeing and the environment. For comprehensive details, visit the Manatu Taonga - Ministry for Culture & Heritage's Matariki website.
Matariki Festival Emphasis on Water
This year's Matariki Festival is centred on water, recognizing the essential roles of Waitī (freshwater), Waitā (sea and ocean), and Waipunarangi (rain) in sustaining life and culture.
Local Council Events
For local listings and activities, we recommend checking what your council has planned for this celebration.
Related Content
Explore our Hub's article on the Matariki star cluster, peruse our resources on Matariki, and learn more about Mātauranga Māori and science. Engage in cross-curricular activities, such as studying the Environment Aotearoa 2022 report, and create poetry and art inspired by the Matariki representations.
Activity Ideas
Naming the whetū in te kāhui o Matariki, interpreting the infographics in the Environment Aotearoa 2022 report, and exploring constellations and cultural legends offer enriching opportunities for learning and understanding.
Useful Links
For more insights on Matariki's cultural and scientific significance, read Dr Rangi Matamua's perspectives or Dr Pauline Harris' explanation on how the Matariki holiday dates were calculated. Discover the roots of tree planting at Matariki and find local events to participate in this June. See all events.
References:
[1] Matariki, Ministry for Culture and Heritage. (n.d.). Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved from https://teara.govt.nz/en/matariki.
[2] Matariki, Auckland Council. (n.d.). Values, beliefs, and customs. Retrieved from https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/recreation-parks-events/community-activities/matariki/matariki-meaning.aspx.
[3] Maori Astronomy and Matariki, Te Papa. (n.d.). Stellar guide. Retrieved from https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/sites/default/files/focuson-matariki-brochure-a3-2007.pdf.
[4] Kerr, A. (2022, June 20). Waitī, Waitā, and Waipunarangi - Matariki 2022. New Zealand Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.nzgeo.com/matariki-2022-water-themes/.
[5] Matariki, Stardome. Retrieved from https://www.stardome.org.nz/matariki/.
1.One can further delve into the sustainable living aspect of Matariki by learning about traditional Maori gardening and home-and-garden practices, intertwining personal growth with the harmonious coexistence with nature.2.Incorporate mindfulness into your Matariki celebration by setting aside time each day to meditate on the importance of education and self-development, focusing on understanding the cultural significance of Matariki and its role in career development.3.To enhance your learning experience, consider enrolling in online education courses teaching skills-training in areas such as astronomy, astrology, or mythology related to Matariki.4.Join sports events organized during Matariki to foster a sense of community and camaraderie, reinforcing the idea of unity and renewal as essential components of personal growth.5.To complement the Matariki Festivals' focus on water, engage in learning activities that emphasize the protection of precious resources, such as online workshops discussing the protection and preservation of freshwater and marine ecosystems.
