Hine Tūtapu, one of our Year 10 students, shares what Matariki means for her.

Matariki, for me, is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. It is a celebration of the Māori new year and for every kind of person to gather and rejoice as one. It is also about remembering people who have passed and the strengthening and forming of new relationships. 

The Matariki cluster has over 500 stars, but only 8 are visible. These are Matariki and her seven children. 

Matariki, the largest star, is associated with wellbeing and she is known to heal.

The eldest child is Pōhutukawa, she is the star that guides people who have passed across the night sky.

Tupu-ā-nuku is the star of gardens and kai/food from the earth. The name Tupu-ā-nuku means to grow on the ground.

Tupu-ā-rangi is connected to the harvesting of birds, fruits, and berries.

Waitī (wai means water) represents fresh water and all the creatures that live in the rivers, streams, and lakes.

Waitā means saltwater, so Waitā is associated with Te Moana/ The Ocean and kaimoana/ food from the sea.

Waipuna-ā-rangi means water in the sky so she is the star of rain. She forecasts the weather for the year.

Ururangi determines the nature of the winds for the year.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the wishing star. She is where all our hopes and aspirations for the coming year are sent.

Ngā mihi,
Hine