What I know about Matariki

What is a Matariki? Matariki is a Maori New Year and it's celebrated at the end of ngahuru (Autumn), which is the hotoke (winter) season. Matariki is the Maori name for the star cluster, Pleiades. Matariki has six daughters. Tupu-a-nuku, the eldest of Matariki's daughters, likes to spend her time with Papatuanuku tending to plants. She makes sure they have everything they need to grow big and strong so they can produce food, medicine and clothing materials. Tupu-a-rangi loves to sing and she also has a beautiful voice that she can revive the forest and all the other creatures, like birds and lizards. We learn from her the importance of sharing our gifts with others, and appreciating those shared with us. Waipunarangi accompanies her grandmother to the waters - where she prepares the children of Tangaroa (God of the sea) to feed people. Waiti and Waita are Matariki's twin daughters. They would be able to care for the smallest and fastest of creatures because they two know about being a team. When we see these two stars in the sky, we are encouraged to join in and support each other. Ururangi's tenacity and excitement, along with the hug and her love, helps Papa to get into the right mood after the cold and darkness of winter, to prepare with her older grandchildren. She reminds us that a good attitude is always the key to success.