Happy Matariki, NZ

Since becoming a public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand, many people have wondered: What is Matariki really about? Today, I will share the story with you.

In the beginning, Sky Father Rangi and Earth Mother Papa lay in a close embrace. Their many sons about six depending on the iwi traditions were trapped between them, living in darkness. A rebellion began to stir. The children of Rangi and Papa gathered in secret to discuss separating their parents so that they could experience freedom and light.

All the brothers agreed except for Tāwhirimātea, the god of wind and storms, who was fiercely opposed.

With the help of his siblings, Tāne, god of the forest, used his powerful legs to push his parents apart. He thrust his father upward to the heavens in a mighty explosion, forever separating his parents.

The brothers celebrated their newfound freedom. But their joy didn’t last long the world was cold, empty, and full of sorrow. The tears of Rangi and Papa flooded the earth as they mourned their separation.

Furious by this seperation, Tāwhirimātea declared war on his brothers for tearing their parents apart. He battled them all, defeating everyone except for the god of war, who stood strong against him.

After his defeat, Tāwhirimātea was filled with rage and grief. In an act of defiance, he tore out his own eyes, crushed them in his hands, and cast them into the sky. As he did, he declared:

"Every time you look to the heavens, you will see my eyes. They will remind you of what you have done."

And so, the stars of Matariki are said to be the eyes of Tāwhirimātea, watching over us.

Each star in the Matariki cluster carries its own meaning and helps guide us into the new year:

• connects us to those who have passed on.

• represents all that grows in the soil.

• all that grows above the earth, like fruits and birds.

• freshwater and its creatures, telling us about the health of rivers and lakes.

• saltwater and sea life.

• the rains that nourish the land.

• the winds and weather patterns.

• our hopes, dreams, and new beginnings.

• Matariki – the central star, representing wellbeing, health, and the gathering of people.

Matariki is a time to reflect, to honour the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future. It is a moment of remembrance, renewal, and joy shared with whānau and community.

Happy Matariki, NZ!