Matariki Puanga traditions in our region
He mihi nā te mana whenua o Te Upoko-o-te-Ika - an introduction from our mana whenua
Tērā Puanga ka rewa i te pae
Nau mai, hara mai ngā hua o te tau
Tākiri ko te ata, ka pua te ata
Korihi te manu tino awatea
Ko te tangi mai o te kō, kō korimako
i te atatū, tū ka takatū ki te ao mārama Tēnei
te raukura, tēnei te rauhuia, tēnā koutou
katoa
Behold the rise of Rigel.
Welcome the fruits of the new year.
As dawn strikes, morning blooms
The early bird calls.
It is the call of the bellbird
After sun rise, prepared for the world of light.
Here is the plume of the Toroa, here is the
feather of the Huia. Greetings to you all
In the last few years, Aotearoa New Zealand has embraced the celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year. Riding the wave of interest from all walks of life, as mana whenua, we’d like to share some of the whakaaro (thinking) about the authentic Matariki tradition in Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui, and about the lesser-known single star Puanga.
Ngāti Toa and Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Māui, alongside Wellington city and regional councils, have come together in acknowledgment of the shared significance of Matariki and Puanga.
We invite you and your whānau, iwi and communities to share in our knowledge and tikanga and explore the ways that we can all celebrate and uplift Matariki and Puanga this year.
Kura Moeahu – Tiamana (Chairman), Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui
Dr Te Taku Parai – Pou Tikanga, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira