Maori

Matarik i Matariki is our Maori New Year. It takes its name from the seven star constellation which reappears over the horizon in late May. In Western astronomy this constellation is called The Pleiades. In 2010 Matariki will be celebrated on June 14.

In ancient times Matariki arrived at the end of the harvest and was therefore a time of plenty for our ancestors. The kumara and other root foods had been gathered. The migration of fish such as moki and korokoro also made Matariki a time of bountiful catches. Visitors were often showered with gifts of specially preserved eel, birds and other delicacies. Matariki was a time to share and present offerings to others.

Matariki can be translated in two ways... Mata riki—tiny eyes or Mata Ariki—eyes of God. In both translations the eyes a thought to watch over the land and its people.

__Interesting websites__ http://www.wcl.govt.nz/kids/downloads.html z/r/wick_ed/matariki/index.php seven stars of matariki read by author http://www.matarikievents.co.nz/matariki-stories/ http://www.tepapa.govt.nz/Education/OnlineResources/Matariki/Pages/overview.aspx http://www.astronomyinyourhands.com/activities/chasingstars.html http://www.korero.maori.nz/news/matariki http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/english/matariki_e/index.shtml http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/ http://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz/maori/downloads/matariki/MatarikiBooklet.pdf matariki-maori-new-year/1 http://www.tki.org.nz/r/wick_ed/matariki/index.php http://www.tki.org.n