Spread the love

Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar where we celebrate the start of the Māori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, it is a time of celebration and reflection.

This year, on July 21st 2020 (NZT) in a unique and special cultural moment, New Zealand is inviting the world for the first time to join them virtually to share this moment and ‘see in the New Year’ together.

Live streaming from one of New Zealand’s most incredible stargazing locations – the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve – people from across New Zealand and the globe are invited to join together for this special moment in time.

Under the magic of the Matariki stars and the New Zealand night sky, viewers will be taken on a journey, with host Israel Dagg, to understand the story, myths and legends of Matariki and the significance of this moment in the year.

It will be a chance for us all to join together around the world and look to the sky, acknowledging the year that’s been, in a moment of reflection and hope and turn our thoughts to our wishes for the year ahead.

How can I join for this special event?

Follow @purenewzealand and RSVP here. The live stream will be happening:

  • Date: 21 July 2020 NZT
  • Time: 05:30am NZT (or find the recording post-event on our page)
  • Where: Facebook
  • Location of live stream: Takapō/Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Key stats & interesting information:

  • Matariki is a star cluster which appears in the night sky in New Zealand during mid-winter – the star cluster is known and can be seen worldwide
  • According to the Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), the reappearance of Matariki in the night sky brings the old lunar year to a close and marks the beginning of the new year. Hence, Matariki is associated with the Māori New Year
  • Matariki has many different names around the world. In English, it is called the Pleiades (its ancient Greek name) or the Seven Sisters. The Hawaiian name is Makali‘i, or ‘eyes of royalty’. In Japan it is Subaru, meaning ‘gathered together’. In China it is called昴 mǎo. In Hinduism, the cluster is known as Krittika and is associated with the war-god Kartikeya. Modern astronomers refer to it as Messier 45 (M45).
  • New Zealanders’ awareness of Matariki is on the rise, although a survey in 2017 found that while almost 70 per cent of the population knew what it was, few understood its significance to Māori
  • As part of a renewed interest in Matariki, Māori New Year is now celebrated everywhere across New Zealand from country kindergartens to the offices of major corporations.
  • In Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, there will be more than 100 events celebrating the event. The capital city, Wellington will celebrates with spectacular light projections and live performances. And in the South Island, celebrations will include community hangis, workshops and performances.