He Kupu Whakataki | Introduction
Matariki mā Puanga marks the Māori New Year, observed during the winter months of Pipiri (June) and Hōngongoi (July). It is a time of reflection, renewal, and reconnection — guided by the rising of two important stars: Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel).
Different iwi across Aotearoa look to either Matariki or Puanga as the tohu (sign) of the new year. Regardless of the star followed, the kaupapa (purpose) remains united: to farewell the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.
Reflection: “My whānau have always acknowledged the seasons and the Māori New Year with the appearance of both Matariki and Puanga. There was always a garden, and always an awareness of what foods were available at that time of the year.”
Matariki mā Puanga 2025 Theme:
The 2025 theme — Matariki mā Puanga — acknowledges the unique relationship between the two stars that mark this special time. It recognises the different ways iwi across the motu (country) celebrate, while reminding us that all celebrations are grounded in the same values of remembrance, unity, and renewal.
Te Tīmatanga o te Tau Hou | The Beginning of the New Year
The appearance of Matariki and Puanga just before sunrise during winter signals the end of one lunar year and the beginning of another.
Traditionally, this was a time for:
- Honouring those who have passed
- Celebrating harvest and abundance
- Preparing for the year ahead
Reflection: “Aligning to the signs of the natural environment is about resetting oneself in time and space.”
Matariki and Puanga: Stars of the Season
- Matariki rises in mid-winter and is associated with reflection, remembrance, and hope.
- Puanga, the brightest star in Orion, is often acknowledged by iwi in regions where Matariki is less visible.
A well-known whakataukī (proverb) connects the stars to the fruits of hard work:
Puanga kai rau
Puanga of plentiful food
Reflection: “Acknowledging connections to those who have passed and celebrating with those who are important in your life by sharing time and space is important.”
Ngā Uara o Matariki mā Puanga | Shared Values
The values of Matariki mā Puanga guide how we celebrate and connect:
- Aroha – Love and respect
- Whakamaumaharatanga – Remembrance
- Kotahitanga – Unity
- Tohatoha – Sharing
- Mana Taiao – Environmental awareness
- Hākari – Feasting
- Wānanga – Discussion
- Noho tahi – Coming together
- Atawhaitanga – Kindness
- Whakanui – Celebration
- Tuakiritanga – Identity
Reflection: “The shared values of Matariki mā Puanga are for all. Reflecting these values in who you are is a place of mana.”
Ngā Tikanga me ngā Whakahaere | Observance, Ceremony & Celebration
Te Whāngai i te Hautapu | The Hautapu Ceremony
A sacred part of Matariki is the Hautapu — an early morning ceremony where food is cooked in an earth oven and its steam is offered to the stars. This ritual honours those who have passed and gives thanks for the harvest.
Te Pānui i ngā Whetū | Reading the Stars
Tohunga (experts) observe the brightness and clarity of the stars to predict the year ahead. Clear, bright stars suggest abundance; dim or missing stars can signal scarcity.
Reflection: “Tikanga may vary throughout the country, but honouring language, culture, and identity is universal.”
Ngā Āhuatanga o te Whakanui | Ways to Celebrate
There are many ways to celebrate Matariki mā Puanga — individually, with whānau, or within communities:
- Remember those who have passed
- Give thanks for the year behind
- Plan for the year ahead
- Spend time with loved ones
- Host or attend a Matariki feast
- Write down your goals or wishes
- Grow a garden
- Attend local events
- Share knowledge and kōrero
Reflection: “Collectively celebrating the New Year is about unity and bringing people together.”
Mātauranga Māori | Traditional Knowledge for All
Matariki mā Puanga is inclusive. It celebrates the diversity of iwi traditions while inviting everyone to participate in ways that resonate with them. Mātauranga (knowledge) lives across the motu and in all of us — passed on through generations.
Reflection: “Matariki mā Puanga reminds us to embrace inclusion and diversity, and to celebrate the things that make us who we are.”
Final Thoughts:
Matariki mā Puanga is more than a date on the calendar. It is a powerful reminder to slow down, reflect, and reconnect — to our environment, to each other, and to ourselves.
As the stars rise in the eastern sky this winter, may they inspire you to look up, look inward, and look ahead.
Resources:
Below are a few links to resources that have posters, crafts, activities and more information, all about Matariki and Puanga!
Mānawatia a Matariki mā Puanga!
For posters and colouring pages: https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/matariki/the-9-whetu-stars-of-matariki/matariki-art-resource-pack
For Matariki crafts and activity ideas: https://matariki.co.nz/matariki-activities-for-kids/
For more information on each star in the Matariki constellation: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/matariki-maori-new-year/what-and-who-matariki/stars-matariki
For free Matariki resource packs: https://matariki.twoa.ac.nz/resources-and-activities/