A view of deep space showing the star Puanga (also known as Rigel)

Matariki: regional variations

Matariki isn’t universally observed, due to a variety of reasons – including the fact that the cluster is not visible to everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand. Learn about regional variations in marking te Mātahi o te Tau (the Māori new year).

The location of Puanga in the mid-winter sky

The difference between Puanga and Matariki

Some iwi celebrate Puanga rather than Matariki. Che Wilson of Whanganui iwi explains why this is the case, and which iwi celebrate Puanga.

Two men fish with an eel trap. Blocks have been put up in the water to guide the eel into the trap

The Matariki star cluster – are there seven or nine stars?

For some people the Matariki star cluster is made up of seven stars, while for others it’s nine. So which is it? Both.

Watch: The Star Family of Matariki story

Hear Te Waari Carkeek, from Ngāti Toa Rangatira iwi, tell the story of how the seven Matariki stars use their special talents and skills to help their kuia, Papatūānuku (the earth), prepare for the new year.

Two people standing under an open marquee tent. Both are cooking on a frypan and looking at the camera.

Watch: Matariki Kōrero – Puanga

Throughout the weeks leading up to Matariki, 2024, guest speakers gave a series of talks about kai Māori practices connected to taonga (treasures) from our collection.

This kōrero (talk) is about Puanga – the whetū (star) that for some iwi (tribes), signals the Māori New Year.

Puanga in the night sky (the brightest star in the photograph)

Astronomers explain Puanga and Matariki

Richard Hall, President of the Phoenix Astronomical Society, and Vice President Ian Cooper explain when we can see the star Puanga and why it’s linked to Matariki.