Whakanuia a Matariki ki Te Kura Matatini ki Otago

Celebrate Matariki at Otago Polytechnic with the team
from Te Punaka Ōwheo

Kōrero mai – Mānawatia a Matariki!

That’s how you wish someone the best for the Māori New Year. Matariki is a cluster of stars that are only visible to us during part of the year. 

The festival of Matariki celebrates when the constellation reappears in the sky, becoming visible just before dawn.

There are different customs and stories about Matariki around the motu. Puaka is another star commonly acknowledged in the southern part of Aotearoa and signifies management of natural resources and harvesting. Here in Ōtākou I Otago, we celebrate both the rising of Matariki and Puaka.  

During Matariki, we come together to remember those who we have lost in the past year, celebrate the present, and look forward to the promise of the new year. 

This is also the fourth year that Matariki is recognised as a public holiday in Aotearoa New Zealand!

We welcome you to celebrate Matariki with us - there are several ways you can join in! Check out our events below. 

We're looking forward to celebrating with you, 

Te Punaka Ōwheo
Māori learner support team 

Matariki Events at Otago Polytechnic

We welcome you to join us for events and take the time to say “Mānawatia a Matariki” 

Check our events listing for each individual event and add it to your calendar!

Resources

• Matariki website: https://www.matariki.com/  
• Living by the Stars: https://livingbythestars.co.nz/  
• Instagram accounts: 
  • Manawatia a Matariki
  • Te Ao Pewhairangi
  • Professor Matamua 
• Facebook accounts:
  • Living By the Stars
• For more Matariki events around Ōtepoti Dunedin, visit:
  • Puaka Matariki Festival
• For community events in Cromwell, visit:
  • Cromwell College Facebook page