Whakanuia a Matariki ki Te Kura Matatini ki Otago

Celebrate Matariki at Otago Polytechnic

Kōrero mai – Mānawatia a Matariki!

That’s how you wish someone the best for the Māori New Year. Matariki is a cluster of stars that is only visible to us during part of the year.

The festival of Matariki celebrates when the constellation reappears in the sky, becoming visible just before dawn.

There are different customs and stories about Matariki around the motu. Puaka is another star commonly acknowledged in the southern part of Aotearoa, and here in Otago we celebrate both the rising of Matariki and Puaka that signifies management of natural resources and harvesting.  

During Matariki we come together to remember those who we have lost in the past year, celebrate the present, and look forward to the promise of the new year. 

This is also the third year that Matariki is recognised as a public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand! This year, Te Punaka Ōwheo—our Māori learner support team— invite you to celebrate Matariki with them.  

There are several ways you can participate throughout the week of June 24th.

Matariki Events at Otago Polytechnic

We welcome you to join us for events and take the time to say “Mānawatia a Matariki” 

Resources

• For more Matariki events around Ōtepoti Dunedin, visit https://www.matarikidunedin.co.nz/events-calendar/   
• To find Matariki in the sky: https://matariki.twoa.ac.nz/  
• Puaka Matariki Festival in Dunedin: https://www.matarikidunedin.co.nz/  
• Matariki website: https://www.matariki.com/  
• Living by the Stars: https://livingbythestars.co.nz/  
• Instagram accounts: 
  • Manawatia a Matariki
  • Te Ao Pewhairangi
  • Professor Matamua