Matariki is a Māori celebration that happens between May and June. Some iwi say there’s 7 sisters but others say it’s 9 sisters. Regardless, Both iwi consider Matariki as the elder sister or mother of the cluster.

I don’t really recall any Matariki celebration but I do remember some information I learned from Homai Primary School. When I first came to New Zealand, I had no clue what Matariki was until I was in primary. I first heard it when my classroom teacher was reading a story about Matariki. The story was about a girl and her family visiting her Koroua. They bought warm food (which I think was the Hangi) with them as one of their culture traditions. Her Koroua or grandpa then told her the story of Matariki and the meaning of why they celebrate it.

When Ranginui and Papatūānuku were separated, Tāwhirimātea filled with fury, gouged out his eyes and threw them in the sky. Over the years, Matariki would be translated to ‘Eyes of God'(Mata ariki) or ‘Little Eyes'(Mata riki). Matariki is meant to bring light to the empty absence between the sky father and earth mother. Māori recognised Matariki as a sign of spring and new year. Matariki is about remembering those who have passed before us, but it’s also about acknowledging the ones that are present with us.

Many people have different opinions about Matariki, but it’s always a time to embrace the past, present and our loved ones. Some people express their love through a haka, a gift or just saying the magic words to make someone feel warm, we have someone to love and think about, families, friends and others too. It’s not really an active celebration but learning and crafting about it is how I celebrate Matariki, even sharing about it too. How do you celebrate Matariki?