Announcing the Launch of Our New Matariki Website!
Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is excited to announce the launch of our new website dedicated to Matariki! As a tertiary education provider and strong supporter of promoting mātauranga Māori, we are thrilled to share this comprehensive resource with the public.
This website is a culmination of the knowledge and skills I have honed over the years, with invaluable support from experts like Dr. Rangi Matamua and Paraone Gloyne. Working in the digital marketing team, I have had the unique opportunity to blend my web development expertise with my passion for Matariki and maramataka.
Explore our site to learn about the significance of Matariki, the Māori New Year, or Te Mātahi o te Tau. Discover how the appearance of Matariki in the morning sky in mid-winter marks a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. It’s a season to gather with whānau and friends to enjoy kai (food), waiata (song), tākaro (games), and haka.
Our tūpuna (ancestors) relied on Matariki to guide their harvesting practices. The disappearance of Matariki in April/May signaled the time to preserve crops for the winter, while its reappearance in June/July helped predict the coming season. Clear and bright stars promised a warm and abundant winter, while hazy stars warned of a harsh season ahead.
We invite you to visit our new website, immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Matariki, and join us in celebrating this important time of year. Together, let’s honor our past, embrace our present, and look forward to a bright future.