In Te Ao Māori, the appearance of Matariki in the morning sky in mid-winter marks the Māori New Year, or Te Mātahi o te Tau. Matariki is the star cluster that is also known as Pleiades or M45.

When Matariki is seen low in the Eastern horizon before the sun rises, this is a sign for people to gather, to honour those who have passed on, celebrate the present and plan for the future. It is a time of remembrance, reflection, peace and joy and is a time for people, families and communities to come together. 

We’ve put together an exciting programme of events to help all our communities celebrate Matariki in a variety of ways. He mihi matariki tēnei ki a koutou katoa, e awhinatia ana te kaupapa nei ma ngā tāngata katoa.

Visit whakatane.com/matariki for a full list of District-wide Matariki events.