In winter, Matariki appears on the eastern horizon in the early morning across Aotearoa, and Matariki is celebrated.

On Wednesday 21 June, we gathered with our Year 9 ākonga, whānau and staff to celebrate Matariki with karakia and kai. It was a wonderful way to start the day. A big thank you to Kuia Nan for her support of our ākonga in this celebration. 

The Matariki ceremony is commonly known as 'whāngai i te hautapu' - which means to offer food to the stars. This practice involves the 'umu kohukohu whetū' or a steamy earth oven for the stars. To honour the rising of Matariki and celebrate the new year, we offer incantations through karakia. 

Karakia may be spoken to Matariki in the winter just before the sun rises. Each karakia has a specific purpose. These may include honouring the dead, acknowledging different environmental domains or opening the new year. We share below the opening and closing karakia - and wish you well for the Māori New Year - Matariki.

Click here to find out more about Matariki

Waerea

Waerea seeks to clear space and people from any obstructions in order for the ceremony to proceed.

Waerea te rangi e tū nei
Waerea te papa e takoto nei
Whakapūmautia tēnei kawa uruora
Te kawa ki a Matariki

Clear the sky above
Clear the earth below
Establish this ceremony
The formal ceremony of Matariki

Matariki

This karakia brings an end to the Matariki ceremony  looking forward to a period of celebration and relaxation.

Mānawa maiea te putanga o Matariki
Mānawa maiea te ariki o te rangi
Mānawa maiea te Mātahi o te Tau
Whano, whano
Haramai te toki ata huakirangi
Haumi e, Hui e, Tāiki e!

Celebrating the rising of Matariki
Celebrate the lord of the skies
Celebrate the new year
Unite, unite
And bring forth the dawn
Together, in union, we are one!