by Heather Walkinshaw

Matariki

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According to Maramataka Māori lunar calendar, the presence of Matariki in the pre-dawn sky signals the beginning of a new lunar year. As Matariki rises, Aotearoa celebrates the end of the previous lunar year and the beginning of a new one.

2022 is the first year New Zealand has had a public holiday to celebrate Matariki.  Students have been learning about the stars and associated stories that go with them.  


Māharatia / Reflect

Hōtoke/winter is a great time to slow down, and reflect on the year we've just had – the good, the not so good, the people who have made a difference and those we miss. When you reflect, what memories, people and learnings come to mind?

Matariki is also about remembering the loved ones we have lost. In doing so, we can celebrate the special times we shared with them, and think about how we can honour their lives as we look to the future.


Whakanuia / Celebrate

Now is also a time for us to manaaki tangata, connect and celebrate new beginnings and new life.

For many of us, celebrating Matariki begins with being grateful for what we have, including the everyday things we sometimes take for granted like the beauty of nature, feeling cosy and warm under our duvets, or connecting with whānau and friends.


Wawatia / Aspire

Matariki is also a great time to think about our hopes and dreams for the future, and the steps we could take to work towards them. Simply taking the time to think about something we’d like to do in the future can give us focus and open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities.

Hiwa I te rangi is one of the nine stars of the Matariki cluster. Known as the wishing star, it is to Hiwa that you can send your wishes for the year ahead - similar to wishing upon a star, or making a new year resolution.