📖 Reading Passage: The Light of Matariki

Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea - The Eyes of the God Tāwhirimātea

High above Aotearoa New Zealand, a cluster of bright stars appears in our winter sky each year. This star cluster is called Matariki, which means "the eyes of god" in te reo Māori. For Māori, Matariki has been a celestial guide for over 700 years, marking the beginning of the Māori New Year and bringing communities together to reflect, remember, and celebrate.

The Matariki star cluster contains hundreds of stars, but traditionally, seven main stars are recognised by many iwi across Aotearoa. Each star has its own name and significance. Matariki herself is the mother star, watching over health and wellbeing. Pohutukawa connects us to those who have passed away, while Waitī and Waitā are linked to fresh and salt water. Waipuna-ā-rangi brings the rain, Ururangi represents the winds, and Pōhutukawa honours our ancestors. Some iwi recognise additional stars, such as Hiwa-i-te-rangi, which is connected to dreams and aspirations for the coming year.

When Matariki rises before dawn in the winter months, it signals important seasonal changes. Traditionally, many whānau used this time to observe the brightness and clarity of the stars to predict what the coming year might bring. Clear, bright stars often suggested good harvests and mild weather ahead, while dim or hazy stars might indicate challenges to prepare for. This was a time when communities would gather kai (food) for winter, share stories of the past year, and make plans for the seasons ahead.

Today, Matariki celebrations blend traditional practices with contemporary activities that bring people together. In many communities, you might see families planting native trees like kauri or totara, symbolising growth and connection to the land. Some groups organise waka expeditions on rivers and harbours, connecting with traditional navigation methods. Sharing kai remains central to celebrations - from hangi feasts to community potluck dinners where people bring dishes that represent their heritage.

Storytelling continues to play a vital role in modern Matariki celebrations. Kaumātua (elders) share pūrākau (traditional stories) about the stars and their meanings, while tamariki (children) learn waiata (songs) and participate in art activities. Many schools and community groups use this time to set learning goals for the year ahead, reflecting the star Hiwa-i-te-rangi's connection to hopes and dreams. Libraries often host special events featuring Māori authors and illustrators, celebrating indigenous storytelling traditions.

Whether observed in urban marae, rural communities, or family backyards, Matariki offers all New Zealanders an opportunity to pause, reflect, and look forward together. It reminds us of our connection to the natural world, to our ancestors, and to each other. As the stars of Matariki shine brightly in our winter sky, they invite us to embrace both remembrance and renewal, making this celebration uniquely meaningful for people across Aotearoa.

Glossary

Celestial: relating to the sky or heavens

Iwi: Māori tribe or people

Kai: food

Kaumātua: Māori elders

Marae: Māori meeting grounds

Pūrākau: traditional Māori stories

Tamariki: children

Waiata: Māori songs

Waka: traditional Māori canoe

Whānau: family, extended family group

📝 Comprehension Questions