Matariki - Maori New Year
Ka puta a Matariki, ka rere a Whānui. Ko te tohu o te tau Māori.
Matariki re-appears; Whanui takes flight. Being the sign of the Maori (new) year.
What is Matariki?
Matariki is the name for a small cluster of tiny stars - also known as the Pleiades, that signifies Maori New Year. Matariki is also an important signal for seasonal celebration in many countries and even a navigational beacon for ocean voyagers. In Greece, several important temples face straight towards Matariki and in Japan, the Subaru brand is named after the Matariki stars.
There are two translations for Matariki - mata riki, tiny eyes; and mata ariki, eyes of god.
When is Matariki?
Matariki is traditionally celebrated during the months of June and July each year and is celebrated in towns and cities throughout New Zealand. New Zealand Post Group is a major supporter of activities at Te Papa in Wellington and throughout the Auckland region.
Auckland dates: 21 June – 21 July 2012
Wellington dates:7 June – 1 July 2012
How can I participate in Matariki?
There are many activities planned around the country. Information on celebrations near you can be found on the following websites:
Wellington
The New Zealand Post Kaumātua Kapa Haka
Date: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June 2012
Time: 10am–4pm
Venue: Wellington Foyer, Level 2
Prepare yourself for tears of pride and joy. You’ll be swept up in the sheer elation with which the nation’s most revered Māori entertainers perform waiata and haka by iconic composers of yesteryear. These performances are both a glimpse into the past and a celebration of kaumātua.
Find out more about the Te Papa Festival
Auckland
Manu Aute Kite Day supported by New Zealand Post
Date: Saturday 21 July 2012
Time: 10am - 5pm
Venue: Orakei Marae/Takaparawha Reserve, Kitemoana Street, Orakei, Auckland
One of the signature annual Matariki Festival events, Manu Aute Kite Day supported by New Zealand Post includes numerous activities young and old will enjoy. From watching spectacular kite displays to flying your own, participating in one of the traditional kite-making workshops, or attending the story-telling sessions or kapa haka performances during the day, this event offers something for everyone.
Find out more about the Auckland Festival
Matariki 2012 – Māori Rock Art stamp release
Celebrate Matariki with New Zealand Post’s 2012 Matariki – Māori Rock Art stamps.
These stamps have been created as part of an annual stamp series which celebrates Matariki by exploring different aspects of Te Ao Māori.
The Matariki 2012 stamp issue pays tribute to Māori rock art – a unique art form that gives fascinating insights into the earliest people of Aotearoa.
Māori rock art is visible throughout New Zealand and the stamps in this issue depict examples of rock art documented in Te Waipounamu (the South Island) where more than 500 sites have been recorded to date.
The collection includes six stamps, a miniature sheet, first day covers, a presentation pack and a premium limited edition publication.
The 2012 Matariki – Māori rock art stamp range is available from 6 June 2012 online, by freephone 0800 STAMPS (782 677), from your local PostShops and REAL Aotearoa in Wellington and Auckland.
Visit the NZ Post stamps website for further details.
Our support
New Zealand Post Group proudly supporting the Auckland Council and Te Papa in celebrating this uniquely New Zealand event.