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Mānawatia a Matariki! Happy Matariki!
In 2022, Matariki became an official public holiday across Aotearoa, allowing Kiwis to celebrate the Māori New Year together.
Traditionally, Māori followed the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar) to mark the passing of the year. By observing the movements of the moon, stars, and the natural environment, Māori made informed decisions about planting crops, gathering seafood, and harvesting.
The Māori New Year begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster. When Matariki appears in the pre-dawn sky, it’s time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future.
Matariki is rich in stories, traditions, and te reo Māori. Not sure where to start with your whānau? This handy listicle will help you learn a few useful words and phrases, giving you the confidence to embrace te reo Māori and celebrate Matariki this year.
The stars of Matariki
Matariki: The Mother Star
Whilst Matariki is the official name for the cluster of stars that appear in the sky, Matariki is also the name of the mother star of the group. The Matariki star signifies connection, health, and well-being, particularly to both people and the environment. When Matariki appears in the sky, she signifies prosperity and new beginnings. Here are some key words you can use this Matariki.
Matariki
| Mānawatia a Matariki | Happy Matariki! |
| Maramataka | Lunar Calendar |
| Matariki | Mother Star |
Hiwa-i-te-Rangi: The Wishing Star
For any new year resolutions, hopes or wishes, cast your dreams to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. Traditionally, Māori across generations have looked to Hiwa to share their aspirations and wish for prosperity in the coming year. Looking to make some new goals this Matariki? Check out our handy language guide below to help you get started.
Hiwa-i-te-Rangi
| Maingo | Wish, hope, aspiration |
| Matawara | To desire/wish/want |
| Moemoeā | To have a dream/vision |
Ururangi: The Wind Star
The wind has one of the most important jobs, helping to regulate the climate, drive weather and water systems, and support our ecosystem. It is said that if Ururangi is visible during Matariki, people can look forward to calm winds. If the star is difficult to see, people could anticipate more bracing winds. See some words below to use when looking for Ururangi this Matariki.
Ururangi
| Hau | Wind/breeze/breath |
| Kōkō | To soar/fly |
| Huarere | Weather |
Waipunarangi: The Star of Rain and Snow
As a natural resource of nourishment, the visibility of Waipunarangi is considered a favourable sight for the year ahead. If Waipunarangi is brightly lit, it is said that the year will bring light rainfall. If the star is difficult to see, this is interpreted as a sign of heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Whether you enjoy rainy days or are hoping for clear skies, look to Waipunarangi this Matariki. Waipunarangi takes its name from Rangi, the sky father.
Waipunarangi
| Tōuarangi | Rain |
| Hukarere | Snow |
| Rangi | Sky |
Waitā: The Salt Water Star
If you’re a fan of kaimoana, be sure to take note of star positioning in the sky this Matariki. Associated with oceans and saltwater entities, it is said that if the Matariki cluster is positioned above water horizons, it will have a profound effect on coastal well-being and the success of harvesting kaimoana throughout the year. Incorporate some te reo into your vocabulary this Matariki to discuss the Waitā star.
Waitā
| Te Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa | The Pacific Ocean/Great Ocean of Kiwa |
| Kaimoana | Seafood |
| Moana | Sea/ocean |
Waitī: The Freshwater Star
As freshwater resources such as lakes, rivers, or streams contain an abundance of goodness for us, the presence of Waitī during Matariki promises a bountiful year ahead. If Waitī shines bright in the sky, this signifies good health in our waterways. If Waitī is obscure, this is a signal that food from these freshwater sources will be limited. See some words below to help you converse about Waitī this Matariki.
Waitī
| Ngutuawa | River mouth/estuary |
| Roto | Lake |
| Waimāori | Freshwater |
Tupuārangi: The Star of Sky Growth
Tupuārangi derives its name from the words tupu, meaning to grow, and rangi, the sky father. Tupuārangi is connected to kai (food) that comes from the sky, including birds, fruits, and berries that grow high amongst the trees. If Tupuārangi shines bright, kai from the sky is said to be plentiful. If the star is difficult to see, this is interpreted as scarcity amongst kai from above the ground. Use some te reo this Matariki when discussing Tupuārangi.
Tupuānuku: The Star of Foods below the ground
Tupuānuku’s presence amongst the stars represents prosperity for crops and richness in the soil. In particular, Tupuānuku has a deep connection with food grown within the ground, including traditional native root vegetables like Kumara. Whether it’s for food or making medicines, a brightly lit Tupuānuku is a favourable sight amongst stargazers during Matariki.
Tupuānuku
| Tupu | Growth |
| Nuku | The Earth Mother |
| Whakatupu | To rear/grow/farm |
Pōhutukawa: The Remembrance Star
As the remembrance star, Pōhutukawa shines so that people may connect to their loved ones who have passed on. Matariki offers a time and place for those to remember their loved ones; Māori in particular celebrate life during Matariki by releasing the spirits of their beloved to join the stars in the night sky.
Pōhutukawa
| Maumahara | To remember/reminisce |
| Whakamahara | To remind/recall |
| Tangi ki ngā mate | Remember those who have passed |
Learn te reo with Katie and Rascal
Learning a few Matariki kupu is just the beginning. If your whānau is keen to build confidence with te reo Māori, Katie’s Kurī is a fun, family-friendly series that introduces everyday words and phrases through engaging stories, lovable characters and plenty of laughs. It’s the perfect way to keep the learning going long after Matariki.
With plenty of laughs, valuable lessons, and a whole lot of heart, Katie, Rascal, and their whānau are sure to become fast friends in homes across Aotearoa. So why not join them on their te reo journey today?
How can I watch?
The fantastic news is Katie’s Kurī is available across four different platforms! With the support of New Zealand on Air, Katie’s Kuri can be found both through your trusted streaming platforms, Sky subscriptions, or free on KIDOGO YouTube:
- Māori+
- KIDOGO on YouTube
- Sky Go
- Neon
With so many beautiful and enriching traditions, particularly rooted within Māori, try to use some te reo this Matariki amongst the celebrations. Mānawatia a Matariki!
Made with support from NZ On Air
7 July, 2026
