What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades or The Seven Sisters.

Matariki can be translated as either Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) or Mata Ariki (Eyes of God).

In late April, Matariki sets at dusk and is no longer visible in the evening sky. In early June it reappears in the morning sky just before sunrise.

Traditionally, the first new or full moon after the sighting of Matariki marked the Māori New Year. As with northern hemisphere celebrations in the depth of winter, like Christmas and New Year, Matariki occurs around about the time of the winter solstice and is also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and welcome the future.

The visibility of Matariki was believed to indicate the success of the coming season's crop: the brighter the stars, the better the crop.

NZNO Celebrations

The New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation has been celebrating Matariki since 2004. For staff and members it has come to symbolise the uniqueness of our partnership expressed through Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a time to appreciate each others gifts and strengths.

This year Matariki celebrations will include the launch of NZNO's new centennial history book, and take place on June 17 at Pipitea Marae, Thorndon, Wellington.

Matariki is a time to prepare, to learn, to share ideas and to celebrate the future. Matariki is also a time to think of others and NZNO staff are collecting grocery items for donation.

Learn more about Matariki

Te Ara
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/matariki-maori-new-year

Korero Māori
http://www.korero.maori.nz/news/matariki

Te Papa
http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/WhatsOn/Matariki/Pages/default.aspx

New Zealand History Online
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/media/interactive/matariki-stamps-2010