Mānawatia a Matariki!

We acknowledge and honour the appearance of Matariki, marking the new year for many Māori.

Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki is a time for remembrance, celebrating the present and looking to the future. 

For Fire and Emergency, Matariki is a time when we can reflect on who we are and what we do. Acknowledging Matariki reflects the inclusive and respectful values we want to embed in our organisation.

Ways you can honour the appearance of Matariki:

• Look up! Can you spy Matariki? Hint: pre-dawn is the best time to find the star cluster
• Get into nature, Matariki is an opportunity to honour our environment
• Make plans for the year coming, maybe plan to grow a garden?
• Have a Matariki feast with friends and whānau
• Take part in a local event or celebration
• And of course have fun! You can spend this time telling stories, playing board games or learning waiata.

If you know of a community group or school planning a hāngī for the first time this Matariki, feel free to pass on this video giving top tips on keeping safe while lighting a hāngī:

(The video below might take a moment or two to load)

Mānawatia a Matariki! | to honour, acknowledge, and welcome in Matariki