WHAT IS MATARIKI?

Matariki is also the name used by Māori to describe the Pleaides star cluster, as well as a single star within the group. It rises during Pipiri (June/July) and marks the beginning of the Māori new year. According to Māori astronomer Dr. Rangi Mātāmua (Tuuhoe) there are 9 stars, each star is individually symbolic and intrinsically connected to the Māori world. The belief is that the star which is brightest that year symbolises the abundance for the year ahead.

THE BRIEF

To celebrate Matariki in 2021, at Counties Manukau Health DHB the theme picked was ‘Ngaa takahanga oo Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the lifestyle of a wishing star’. One of the kaupapa (intentions) for celebrating Matariki each year is to engage our staff and communities, no matter their heritage, towards a deeper understanding of the story of Aotearoa. This year the theme is about dreams and aspirations, planting a seed today for a brighter tomorrow.