Matariki

Matariki A.R.T Market

Attention interested artists of all forms and modalities - we want you!

Come and share your time and artistry with us on 17 June at Ngā Purapura as we celebrate Matariki. If you'd like to showcase and sell your art, music, craft or stories at our Matariki A.R.T Market, fill in this form, which includes details on how to RSVP.

Nau mai haere mai ki Ngā Purapura ki te whakanui te wā o Matariki...

Come out to the Matariki A.R.T. Market between 10am-3pm on 17 June at Ngā Purapura Lifestyle Advancement Centre, Ōtaki, and celebrate the richness of Māori culture as expressed through art, craft, live music, local food stalls, Starlab, keynote speakers, a Waahi Tapu bus tour of the region and storytelling.

Matariki events on the Kāpiti Coast

Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti is actively involved in the promotion and revitalisation of Matariki in the community.

Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known as the Pleiades. The ascent of Matariki in late May or June signalled the change of season and heralded the start of the Māori New Year. For iwi on the west coast, the ascent of Puanga (Rigel in Orion) indicates the start of the Māori New Year as the pae maunga (mountain ranges) obstruct the view of Matariki.

Check out the full calendar of 2018 Matariki activites and events.

When is Matariki?

Different iwi celebrate Matariki at different times. The Māori New Year is marked by the ascent of Matariki and the sighting of the next new moon.

In 2018 Matariki commences on 15 June.

How do I find Matariki?

Check out the Beginners guide to finding Matariki available on Signposts, the weblog of Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand.

Maramataka

Each year, Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti produces a maramataka (calendar) that covers the period 1 July to 30 June and includes information for fishing and planting by the moon.

The maramataka is officially blessed and launched around the time of Matariki.

The new maramataka will be available for purchase at Council service centres for $10 each.

Check out these photos from last year's Matariki celebrations on Ōtaki's Main Street.