Matariki



The central star in the cluster. It is the healing star and is associated with hauora (wellbeing). She is reminding us to come all together as a whānau. Whāia Te Waiora, mai i te pūkenga o Hunganui, Ãhunga Nui, Manakonui ki te te ara waiora o Karangahape. 

Rehua

tane



The brightest star in the sky, also known as Antares and is believed to be the husband of Matariki. Rehua bringer of knowledge, joy and light - often associated with art, our whānau know him well here on Karangahape road.

Pōhutukawa

wahine

She's the oldest child in the cluster and she is connected to our dead, carrying our dead across the sky night after night, month after month. Smell Pōhutukawa’s gentle breeze and hear her supporting our whānau who have passed on, through te whē - the sound of leaves rustling in the wind.

Waiti
wahine



The star associated with freshwater, the informs how the rivers and streams will be affected in the coming year. She provides insight into whether there will be plenty of tuna, freshwater crayfish and other fish to harvest throughout the year. Look out for Waitī in the giant tuna that dance on Karangahape road.

Waita

tane



The star is associated with salt water which informs us on all creatures and kai moana in the oceans. Remember to honour him this Matariki for the sacrifice of his descendents who keep us sustained, fed and nourished.

Tipuanuku

wahine

Tipu means to grow and nuku means ground. This star is associated with everything that grows in the ground. Don’t forget to honour the sacred ground you walk on every day. Toitū te tiriti, toitū te whenua!

Waipunarangi

wahine



The star is associated with water that pools in the sky and connects us to the rains. Find where might she be pooling this Matariki during Whāia Te Waiora for an opportunity to cleanse and reset.

Ururangi

tane

The star connected to wind and wind patterns. No matter the wind you descend from as uri o ngā hau e whā (the four winds) everyone has a home here. Find places of confluence and togetherness for everyone this Matariki.

Tipuarangi

tane

Tipu means to grow, rangi means the sky. This star has a strong connection to the birds that were traditionally harvested and eaten, along with everything that grows above us. Don’t forget to look up and be grateful this Matariki.

Hiwa I Te Rangi

wahine

The wishing star. Send your wish to Hiwa i te rangi when the cluster rises again in the winter skies in the hope that your wish and dreams will come true. You may hear Hiwa this year in the laughter of tamariki and the rolling of skateboards.

Puanga

wahine

Known as Rigel, this star is celebrated by some tribes from the West Coast as the star the heralds the new year. It rises above Matariki in the winter skies and is visible all year. Look to the east and thank Matariki, look to the west and thank Puanga.