Matariki in Aotearoa 2025

the cluster of stars known as Matariki and also called the Pleiades - Photo: Canva

On Friday, June the 20th, 2025 the important Māori feast of Matariki will be celebrated in Aotearoa. It is closely connected with the cluster of stars known as Matariki and also called the Pleiades or the Seven Sisters, which rise above the winter skies of Aotearoa in late June. The study of the stars and planets, the position of the sun and the phases of the moon have always been woven into Māori culture. For centuries, navigating by the stars guided the great canoe voyages across the vast Pacific.  A vast amount of ancient Māori knowledge was stored which continues to shape contemporary New Zealand, as Matariki is celebrated today.

Matariki is seen as the Māori New Year. Past, present and future are all remembered and celebrated. Ancestors, family members and friends who have died are honoured as whanau come together to remember them. Present life is celebrated by sharing food that comes from the earth, the sea and the sky and traditionally cooked in the earth oven called a hangi. The stars, moon and sun give indications regarding planting and harvesting, the care of flowering plants, the spawning of fish and foraging for seafood and animals, taking into account the natural cycles of the environment.    

There are many signs that Māori culture and language is now being more appreciated, valued and respected. The growth of Te Reo, the Māori language, has been greatly enhanced by the Kohanga Reo movement, through total immersion schools for young children. Most schools and colleges now have thriving Kapa Haka dance groups and national contests are held in Aotearoa each year.

Kapa Haka competition in Aotearoa - Photo: Canva

However, the greatest sign of the recognition of the value of Māori culture has been the establishment of Matariki as a national public holiday. The law was passed by the Labour government led by Dame Jacinda Ardern in April 2022, and it was first observed on June 14th, 2022.

On the 20th of this month, let us wish each other a happy feast day with the correct words of “Mānawatia a Matariki”

Fr Don Hornsey lives and works in Aotearoa/New Zealand.