When is matariki 2025

In Aotearoa, New Zealand, Matariki heralds the Māori New Year.

When was matariki first celebrated

While the Matariki star cluster holds great importance for Māori and the people of Aotearoa, New Zealand, this cluster is seen and celebrated across the Pacific and beyond.

In this blog by Annalee Hoogeveen, you’ll learn about Matariki, what it means, why it’s celebrated and how you can participate this year!

About Matariki

Matariki is a well-known star cluster also referred to as the Pleiades.

It is a part of the larger constellation known as Taurus and has been recorded as one of the earliest star groups in human history.

The Pleiades has different names in different countries:

• Subaru in Japan
• Mao in China
• Krittika in India
• The Seven Sisters in Greek mythology

For the Māori people, the appearance of this star cluster marks the beginning of the te Mātahi o te Tau, also known as Māori New Year.

Although the Matariki cluster is visible for most of the year, it disappears briefly due to its proximity to the sun.

When it re-emerges, approximat

when is matariki celebrated this year

when is matariki celebrated every year