Māori · 3 September 2026 · Matariki Celebrations

Matariki

Matariki / Pleiades star cluster

noun

The Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster. For many iwi its rising before dawn in midwinter marks the Māori New Year: a time to remember the past, celebrate the present and plan for the future. Some iwi mark the new year by Puanga instead.