Maori

Whakanuia Matariki

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Whakanuia Matariki/Happy New Year!

In early Pipiri/June a small but very special cluster of stars becomes visible from Aotearoa/New Zealand, in our winter skies.  The Māori name for this constellation is Matariki and traditionally its arrival marks the beginning of the Māori New Year.  For some iwi, especially in the west, the star Puanga (or Reigel) marks the new year, as it is more easily visable. For many New Zealanders Matariki/Puanga is a special time to celebrate with loved ones, and a time to reflect on our own place in the world, our culture and heritage. 

There are lots of fun and exciting events and activities happening in our community in celebration of  Matariki, including some free library events for the whole family – nau mai, haere mai – all welcome!  There are also some wonderful Matariki festivities happening around Wellington, and at Te Papa. so gather your friends and whanau and get involved!

Looking for something to read? Try this:

Nga whetu o Matariki – Matariki Stars

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Did you know that the Matariki constellation can be see from many parts of the world and not just in Aotearoa New Zealand?  It also has several different names!  In Japan the star cluster is known as Subaru (like the car), meaning united or getting together.  In other cultures the stars are known as Pleiades, the Seven Sisters, Matali’i and Messier 45.

For Māori, Matariki means the eyes of God (mata ariki) or little eyes (mata riki).  This refers to a traditional Māori myth where the eyes watch over the Aotearoa, the land and its people.  The other star celebrated in Māori culture at the same time of year as Matariki  is Puanga, or Reigal . Puanga is the bright white star seen over Orions belt – or, as the Māori saw it, the berry bait hanging over the perch of the snare for the kereru.

You might like to see if you can find the Matariki constellation in the sky yourself (if you can brave getting out of bed at 5am it will definately be worth it!)  Follow this beginner’s guide to finding Matariki or this link: help finding Matariki.

And if you’re interested in Astronomy, here’s a selection of cool books available in our collection:

Special Storytelling at Tawa Library

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Mervyn Kemp (Tawa) Library are hosting a special te reo Maori storytelling session this week! Perfect for 2-6 year olds and their caregivers. Come along to listen to actor and storyteller Toa Waaka weave stories and legends in Maori and English. A perfect opportunity to learn and experience te reo Maori through stories – all are welcome!

Tawa Library, Wednesday 17th November 2010, 10.30-11.15am, Free!

Four Maori Myths

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I came across the book Taming the Sun by Gavin Bishop and was engrossed with it. It is sort of a quick read one and has lots of wonderful illustrations. It has four Maori myths in one book so you really get a cool deal. The stories are entertaining and it always has a bit of moral lesson in each one. The stories are

  • Maui and the Sun
  • Kahu snd the taniwha
  • Maui and the big fish
  • Rona and the moon

It illustrates the rich Maori culture and myths and legends. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.