A panoramic view of the early morning sky showing many, many stars in the sky

Matariki – te Mātahi o te TauMatariki – the Māori New Year

Matariki is a time to gather with whānau and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

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.

A night sky with stars visible and start of a sunrise.

Puanga is the star of Matariki 2025

The 2025 theme of Matariki mā Puanga highlights communities who observe Puanga astronomical traditions and is all about celebrating and learning about the Māori new year together.

Find out more about this year's theme on the Matariki website.

View of the Matariki star cluster at sunrise in a dark night sky

Mānawatia a Matariki! Come celebrate Matariki at Te Papa with a series of whakangahau (concerts), kōrero (conversations), and whānau-friendly activities that allow you to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Uncle Pare stands in his kitchen. He wear a black and white striped shirt, black scarf, glasses, and a black brimmed hat. His kitchen is overflowing with a well organised array of bottles, utensils, plates, and jars

How to celebrate Matariki

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

A man and a woman stand outside. It’s early morning and the sky is still dark. The man lifts food out of the pot, releasing steam.

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.

Rangi Matamua, then-Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and Sir Pou Temara pose for a group photo

Dates for the Matariki public holiday

The Matariki public holiday is based on the winter rising of the Matariki cluster in the early morning sky during the Tangaroa period of the lunar month of Pipiri.

Computer-generated image of the activity book lying open showing its cover and inside pages

Matariki learning programme and 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.

A view of deep space showing the star Puanga (also known as Rigel)

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).

An older woman in a yellow and black top is spinning long poi on stage with other older people.

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.