About whakataukī

A whakataukī is a timeless proverb, significant saying, observation, or witty remark said by someone now unknown. If the person who said the proverb is known, the proverb is a whakatauākī. Ākī means ‘said by someone’.

Many people use whakataukī to help guide them to make decisions, think about things differently, and gain insight or advice. There are many whakataukī that can help us celebrate Matariki and guide us during this time of reflection and planning for the New Year.

Here are some whakataukī that have a connection to Matariki. Enjoy learning a little about their meaning and listen to recordings of them.

Caption

Hāngī, Hokianga, 1957, by Eric Lee-Johnson, Hokianga Harbour. Purchased 1997 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa (O.006431)

Whakataukī for Matariki

Hauhake tū, ka tō Matariki.
The harvest ends when Matariki sets.
 

In the month of Haratua (May), you can see the Matariki star cluster set with the sun in the west. When this happens, it’s a sign that the season for harvesting food has come to an end. This whakataukī is used before winter begins to remind people to prepare themselves for the cold months ahead.

• Why is it important to prepare for winter before it arrives?
• What can you do to prepare for the long, cold nights during Matariki?

Matariki ahunga nui.
The great mounds of Matariki.
 

Traditionally, Matariki is a time when food like kūmara

  kūmarasweet potatoesMāori | noun are stored in large piles and shared among friends, whānau, and the wider community. This whakataukī speaks about manaakitanga manaakitangahospitalityMāori | noun, sharing food and being together with loved ones.

• What kinds of kai do you and your whānau celebrate with during special times like Matariki?
• What other things, beside kai, can you share with whānau and friends during Matariki?

Matariki hunga nui.
Matariki of many people.
 

During Matariki festivities people gather together to celebrate the passing of one year and the hope of a new one. This whakataukī speaks to us about the gathering of people at Matariki time.

• How will you celebrate Matariki this year?
• What can you do this Matariki to bring people together?

Kai kitea a Matariki, ka rere te korokoro.
When Matariki is seen, the lamprey migrates.
 

Korokoro, also known as kanakana or pihapiharau, is an eel-like fish. In English this fish is called the lamprey. Korokoro start life in fresh water rivers. When they are around four years old they swim down to the sea, where they live for another three or four years. After this, they return to fresh water rivers to breed. They make these long and sometimes hard journeys at Matariki time, often at night.

• What changes in te taiao
  
    te taiaonatureMāori | noun can you see at this time of year?
• What tells you that it’s Matariki time?

Ko Matariki te kaitō i te hunga pakeke ki te pō.
Matariki draws the frail into the night.
 

The Matariki star cluster rises in the sky in winter. During these cold days and nights, those who are old and frail can be more at risk of passing away. While we look to the future during Matariki, it’s also a time to think about the past, and mourn those we have lost in the last year.

• Is there someone special in your whānau that has passed away? What will you reflect about their life this Matariki?
• What can you do to take care of someone who is old, frail or in need of extra support this Matariki?

Kua haehae ngā hihi o Matariki.
The rays of Matariki are spread.
 

People say this whakataukī when Matariki can be seen bright in the night sky. The rays of its stars are thought to carry messages for the people. Matariki is a time to share stories, reflect on the past, and plan for the future.

• What messages for others will you share this Matariki?
• Why is it important to share stories and messages with others? What can we learn from these?

Find out more about these whakataukī by reading Matariki: The Star of the Year (Rangi Matamua, 2017, Huia Publishers).