CELEBRATE MATARIKI AT HOME

Lifestyle

11 June 2018

The star cluster Matariki appears in our skies in the months of June and July, marking the start of the Māori New Year. Matariki is a time to come together with friends and family and is about eating, reflecting, and looking forward to the year ahead. We share five ways you can celebrate Matariki.

Enjoy a mid-winter feast with friends and whānau

Traditionally, Matariki is a time to share kai from the pātaka (the storehouse), harvested from past seasons. A shared feast is a great opportunity to gather with friends and family, and light fireworks and lanterns.

 

Write down your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the year ahead

What do you want to achieve? What do you want to see? Record thoughts like these and return to them later – how did you do?

 

Play games and tell stories

Matariki is about having fun with your loved ones. Learn to play mū tōrere, a Māori board game. Or make up a story to tell your whānau.

 

Star gaze

Look up at the stars, and see if you can spot Matariki and her six daughters. Download a star gazing app to help guide your way or do it the old-fashioned way by taking a walk in your neighbourhood and gaze at the night sky.

 

Learn about the stars

Visit our Matariki light display in centre outside of Hallensteins and learn about the seven stars of Matariki or read about them here.

Gumboots from The Warehouse | Book from Whitcoulls | Star Napkin Holder from Stevens | Ecoya Candle from Redcurrent | Notebook and Pen from Typo