In Māori astronomy they used the Matariki stars to plan what to plant or how to harvest food in the next season.

When Matariki reappears in our dawn skies, around June or July each year, it heralds the start of Te Tau Hou Māori – the Māori New Year.

Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known as Pleiades. The Matariki cluster is made of nine stars: Waipuna-ā-rangi, Ururangi,
Matariki, Tupu-ā-rangi, Tupu-ā-nuku, Waitī, Waita, Pohutukawa & Hiwa.

Rotorua is celebrating this special time, with a range of free events around the region. From family events to craft days, talks to musical performances, there’s a lot to love and learn about Matariki – visit www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/matariki2018 for more information on the events in the region.