What and who is Matariki?

Learn about the stars of Matariki, watch a video showing you how to find the cluster, and test your knowledge in our quiz.

• What is Matariki?
• Matariki star facts
• The stars of Matariki
• Watch: How to find the Matariki star cluster
• Quiz: How much do you know about Matariki?

How to celebrate Matariki

What to do during Matariki, a time to spend with your whānau, with waiata (songs), whakataukī (proverbs), and more.

• How to celebrate Matariki at home
• Matariki recipes and stories
• Matariki whakataukī (proverbs)
• Songs that celebrate Matariki

Hautapu: the ceremonial oven and offerings to the stars

All you need to know about the whāngai i te hautapu – the ceremonial offering to Matariki – including how to host your own.

• What is a hautapu?
• How to host your own hautapu at home
• Watch: Highlights from the Whāngai i te Hautapu | Matariki Ceremony 2022

Matariki education resources

Download Matariki and maramataka teaching resources to use in your classroom, or book a Matariki education visit for your ECE or primary students.

Matariki: regional variations

Matariki isn’t universally observed, due to a variety of reasons – including the fact that the cluster is not visible to everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand. Learn about regional variations in marking te Mātahi o te Tau (the Māori new year).

• The Star Family of Matariki story
• The difference between Puanga and Matariki
• The Matariki star cluster – are there seven or nine stars?

Taikura Kapa Haka

Taikura Kapa Haka is an annual festival bringing together kaumātua from across the motu in celebration of the rich mātauranga and pūkenga held in our apārangi tūnohunohu.

• Watch: Taikura Kapa Haka 2023
• Watch: Taikura Kapa Haka 2022
• Watch: Taikura Kapa Haka 2021
• Watch: Highlights from Taikura Kapa Haka
• Watch: Taikura Kapa Haka 2019
• View all