How to Celebrate Matariki at Home

Simple, respectful ways to mark Matariki with whānau and friends — remembrance, shared kai and looking ahead.

Matariki marks the Māori New Year, when the Matariki star cluster rises in the mid-winter sky. It has been a public holiday since 2022, with the date shifting each year in June or July.

The three themes

**Remembrance (Matariki hunga nui):** honouring those who have passed since the last Matariki

**Celebrating the present (Matariki ahunga nui):** gathering together to share kai

**Looking to the future (Matariki manako nui):** setting hopes and intentions for the year ahead

Ideas for a home gathering

Share a meal together, ideally with seasonal winter food

Set up a table with photos of loved ones and share stories

Write wishes for the year ahead and read them aloud or keep them in a jar

Make star decorations or lanterns with the kids

Viewing Matariki

The star cluster is best seen in the early morning before dawn, low on the north-eastern horizon. Check the forecast for a clear sky, rug up and bring hot drinks.

Learning together

Local libraries, museums and councils run Matariki events, and many iwi share resources online. Taking time to learn the stories and names of the stars is a great part of the celebration.

Keep it warm

It's mid-winter — plan for heaters, blankets or an indoor space, and serve warm kai like soups, boil-ups and roasted root vegetables.