Matariki has become one of the most special times in the New Zealand calendar, and it's a lovely thing to mark at home. Here's a little about what Matariki is, when it falls, and some ways to celebrate it.
Matariki is the Māori new year, named for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. Its reappearance in the mid-winter sky signals the turn of the year. It's a time for three things: remembering those we've lost, celebrating the present with family and kai, and looking ahead to the year to come.
Matariki rises in mid-winter, usually late June or early July, and the public holiday date shifts a little each year with the lunar calendar. The days around it are the time to gather, reflect and set intentions for the year ahead.
Many people share a meal, remember loved ones, and take a quiet moment to think about the year ahead. A piece of art can be part of that, whether it's a star or koru design as a marker of a fresh start, or a native bird or silver fern that connects the home to Aotearoa. Given as a gift, a Matariki piece is a thoughtful way to mark a milestone or a new beginning.
My star, koru and native designs suit the season beautifully, in black, corten or colour, for an indoor wall or out in the garden. The koru in particular, with its meaning of new beginnings, feels right for the turn of the year.
Browse my kiwiana wall art and wall art NZ range for pieces that suit Matariki, or as a gift to send overseas.
Matariki is the Māori new year, named for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades. Its rise in the mid-winter sky marks a time to remember those we've lost, celebrate the present, and look to the year ahead.
In mid-winter, usually late June or early July. The public holiday date moves a little each year with the lunar calendar.
Share a meal with family, remember loved ones, and set intentions for the year ahead. Many people add a star, koru or native piece as a marker of a fresh start.
A star, koru or native design works beautifully, especially for someone marking a milestone or new beginning. The koru, meaning new beginnings, is a favourite.
Every piece, designed and made in Auckland since 2007.
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