Matariki is a time of remembrance, celebration and preparation in Māori culture, observed each year as the Matariki star cluster rises in the eastern sky.

The theme for 2025 is Matariki mā Puanga - Celebrating Together. While it’s Matariki (Pleiades) that signifies the new year for many iwi (tribes), many other iwi across the motu look to Puanga (Rigel) as the marker to begin celebrations.

Though each star may have different significance, the importance of this time is the same. Matariki mā Puanga celebrates coming together, celebrates diversity and celebrates all the rich, unique elements of the Māori culture.

Check out our videos below to celebrate Matariki.

Watch as Stan & Jamus team up to show us how to build a star projector and tell us a bit more about Matariki.

Download and print out a copy of the Matariki Star Cluster Template so you can follow along at home.

Here are some other fun ideas to celebrate with your whānau!