matariki

Kia-ora Matariki is also known as the Maori New Year. When Matariki appears in the sky it is a time to remember people who have passed on, a time to celebrate the past year and set goals for the New Year, a time to forecast planting conditions for the coming year and a time to reflect on whanaungatanga. If the stars were small and far away then Maori knew that a hard winter was coming and planting would be put off until October. Sailors today still acknowledge the appearance of Matariki as a navigational tool and a sign that the stormy wintery seas have passed and the weather was now safe for long voyages. Maori in New Zealand know when it is Matariki from the signs in nature and from watching the stars. ||
 * **What is Matariki?**
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