20/06/2025
“Mānawatia a Matariki!” in Māori means “Happy Matariki!”
More commonly known as the Pleiades around the world, this star cluster is called Matariki in Māori culture in Aotearoa New Zealand. Matariki marks the Māori New Year — a time of remembrance, celebration, and renewal. It is a moment to honour those who have passed, spend time with whānau (family), and reflect on the year to come.
To know more, this article explains the story and meaning of Matariki:
https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/matariki-maori-new-year/what-and-who-matariki/what-matariki