May

Stars shine on Maori New Year

This year’s Matariki celebrations are set to be one of the largest New Zealand has ever witnessed.

Hundreds of events are being planned around the country and the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council says it’s a sure sign of New Zealand’s increasing awareness of its unique culture and place in the world.

Matariki is a cluster of stars, also known as the Pleiades, or the Seven Sisters. For Maori, the stars’ appearance in the skies above Aotearoa signifies the end of one year and the beginning of another. This year the Maori New Year officially begins on 16 June 2007.

Traditionally, Matariki (translated as tiny eyes or eyes of God) occurred at the end of harvest and it was a time to celebrate, prepare the land for planting, renew associations with whanau (family) and friends, reflect on the past and set goals for the future.

'Today Matariki is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate who we are and what we have achieved together,' says Johnny Edmonds, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Maori Tourism Council.

The revival of Matariki has been gathering momentum for the past few years. This year will see regions all over the country participating in Matariki with their own unique activities.

'It’s fantastic to see so many people embracing Matariki,' says Edmonds. 'While it may be of Maori origins, Matariki is a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate their identity and look towards the future.'

Matariki is also a time of year to learn about New Zealand’s indigenous Maori culture.

'It gives people, especially those visitors from overseas, a chance to engage with Maori and see what it is that makes Maori unique,' says Edmonds.
Some of the highlights of Matariki 2007 include two weeks of celebrations at Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum in Wellington, including concerts, seminars, shows, workshops and a Matariki Gala.
In Northland more than 80 events are scheduled throughout the month long celebrations.

Artists around the country are incorporating Matariki themes in their work, school children are getting involved in a huge variety of activities, from planting and kite making, to competing in the Maori Hand Games in Hastings on 28 June.

June is also an ideal time to sample traditional Maori food, with many restaurants around the country featuring Matariki menus.

For the first time the Whanganui community will hold its inaugural Puanga festival, featuring marae open days, kapa haka, musical festivals, an art exhibition and fashion show.

'The renaissance of this significant Maori celebration is a great opportunity for all New Zealanders to remind ourselves of what we have achieved together and of our special place in the world,' says Edmonds.