Matariki Writing

Matariki And Her Stars

Matariki is a cluster of stars that appears in the sky in June and July of each year. You don't only see this cluster in New Zealand, in some parts of the world people call the same cluster of stars Pleiades. When you see this cluster sitting in the sky you know it is the New Zealand Maori New Year and it's time to celebrate. At this time family and friends come together and have a feast, gather crops and plant them for the coming year. For the first time this year there is going to be a public holiday on the 24th of June to celebrate Matariki. Each star has an important job to do. Some of the stars in the cluster are Pо̄hutukawa, Tupuānuku, Ururangi and Hiwa-i-te-rangi.

Pо̄hutukawa

Pо̄hutukawa is one of the oldest stars. She is a constant reminder of your loved ones who have passed on. She is the star connected to the ones that have passed and guides them across the night sky. When you see Matariki with the other stars and Pо̄hutukawa you know she is a reminder of those who have passed. Your loved ones will be safe in her hands.

Tupuānuku

Tupuānuku is the star that takes care of things growing under the soil that can be harvested like kai (food), rongoā (medicine) and kākahu (clothing materials). She pays special attention to the soil and makes sure it has all the things it needs to help the plants grow big and strong for the year.  When you see Tupuānuku in the sky with the others you know it’s time to harvest crops and plant new ones for the Maori New Year.

Ururangi

Ururangi is known as the father of the cluster. Ururangi is connected with the wind and determines how windy it will be. He is in the sky to remind us that having a good attitude is important. Waipuna-ā-rangi and Ururangi have a special relationship. Ururangi and Waipuna-ā-rangi are positioned above the other stars because wind and rain come from above the earth.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi

Hiwa-i-te-rangi (or Hiwa) is the youngest star of the cluster. Some people believe that Hiwa-i-te-rangi grants wishes and helps us to realise our aspirations for the year that is coming. When she is big and bright you can place your feet in the soil and say a prayer and it will help make your wish come true. She is like a shooting star because you can wish upon her presence but don't be greedy with her. Take what you need, not what you want.

Matariki is very important not only in New Zealand but in some other countries too.  These are only some of Matariki’s stars but they are all equally  important.

By Cierra Mort