Matariki marks the Maori New Year – a time of reflection, remembrance, and celebration. Discover meaningful gift ideas to honour this special occasion and share the spirit of Aotearoa.
Matariki is the Maori New Year, celebrated when the Matariki star cluster (Pleiades) rises in the winter sky. Since becoming an official New Zealand public holiday in 2022, Matariki has grown into a nationwide celebration of Maori culture, reflection, and new beginnings. Whether you’re looking for gifts to mark the occasion or wanting to bring Matariki spirit into your home, there are many beautiful ways to celebrate.
Understanding Matariki
- Meaning: “Eyes of god” or “little eyes” (referring to the star cluster)
- Timing: Late June/early July (varies each year)
- Star Cluster: Pleiades – seven visible stars
- Public Holiday: Since 2022
- Themes: Remembrance, reflection, celebration, hope for the future
The Significance of Matariki
Matariki is much more than a public holiday – it’s a time of deep cultural significance with traditions that have been observed for centuries. The rising of the Matariki star cluster signals a time to honour those who have passed, celebrate the present, and look forward to the year ahead.
The Three Themes of Matariki
- Remembrance: Honouring loved ones who have died since the last Matariki
- Celebration: Gathering with family and friends to share food and gratitude
- Hope: Setting intentions and aspirations for the coming year
The Nine Stars of Matariki
While commonly known as a cluster of seven stars, Maori tradition identifies nine stars in Matariki, each with its own name and significance. These include Matariki (the mother), and stars associated with weather, harvest, food sources, and wellbeing. Understanding these stars adds deeper meaning to Matariki celebrations.
Meaningful Matariki Gift Ideas
Gifting during Matariki is a beautiful way to honour the occasion and share meaningful items that celebrate New Zealand culture. Here are thoughtful gift ideas for Matariki.
Star-Themed Art and Decor
Art featuring the Matariki stars or celestial themes makes a perfect gift. Many NZ artists create Matariki-inspired prints combining traditional Maori design elements with the star cluster imagery. Art prints celebrating the night sky or incorporating Maori patterns bring lasting beauty to any home.
Pounamu and Traditional Jewellery
Pounamu (greenstone) jewellery carries deep cultural significance and makes a treasured Matariki gift. Pieces featuring the koru (symbolising new beginnings) are particularly fitting for the new year theme. Contemporary NZ jewellers like Nick von K and Boh Runga create beautiful pieces that honour Maori design traditions.
Books and Learning Resources
Books about Matariki, Maori culture, and the night sky make educational and meaningful gifts – especially for children. Te reo Maori learning materials and books featuring Matariki stories help share the richness of this tradition with the next generation.
Native Bird Art
Native birds like the tui and piwakawaka (fantail) hold special significance in Maori culture. Art prints, ceramics, and homewares featuring these birds from artists like Flox, Irina Velman, and Glenn Jones make meaningful Matariki gifts.
Matariki Gifts for Children
Introducing tamariki (children) to Matariki traditions creates lasting connections to New Zealand culture.
Kid-Friendly Matariki Gift Ideas
- Matariki picture books: Stories about the stars and traditions
- Te reo Maori puzzles and games: Learning through play
- Craft kits: Star-making materials, kite kits (manu tukutuku)
- Plush native birds: The Monster Company soft toys
- Glow-in-the-dark stars: Create a Matariki constellation on the ceiling
Explore more options in our NZ Children’s Gifts Guide.
Ways to Celebrate Matariki
Beyond gift-giving, there are many ways to honour Matariki with family and friends.
Stargazing
The heart of Matariki is the rising of the star cluster. Find a spot away from city lights and look to the northeastern sky before dawn in late June. Many communities host stargazing events during Matariki.
Sharing Kai (Food)
Gathering to share food is central to Matariki celebrations. Traditional foods include kumara, seafood, and preserved foods – reflecting the harvest and preparation for winter. Modern Matariki feasts blend traditional and contemporary dishes.
Remembering Loved Ones
Matariki is a time to honour those who have passed. This might involve sharing stories, visiting significant places, or simply taking quiet time to remember. It’s believed that the spirits of the departed travel with the Matariki stars.
Setting Intentions
Like many new year traditions, Matariki is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the future. This might be done through whakatauki (proverbs), writing, or discussion with family.
Bringing Matariki Into Your Home
Create a Matariki atmosphere with thoughtful decor that celebrates the season.
Art and Prints
Display NZ art prints featuring native birds, Maori patterns, or celestial themes. Many artists release special Matariki editions or star-themed works around this time.
Candles and Lighting
Soft candlelight echoes the traditional Matariki practice of lighting fires to welcome the new year. NZ-made candles with native scents like kawakawa, manuka, or kowhai bring natural aromas to your celebration.
Flowers and Plants
While winter flowers are limited, native plants like native ferns (including the silver fern) bring natural beauty indoors. Some people plant new trees or seeds at Matariki to symbolise new beginnings.
Matariki in the Workplace
Many New Zealand businesses now recognise Matariki as an opportunity to celebrate and educate. Corporate gifts with a Matariki theme show cultural awareness and appreciation.
Corporate Matariki Ideas
- NZ-made gift boxes with local treats and Matariki information
- Artwork or prints celebrating Maori culture
- Team activities like stargazing events or cultural workshops
- Charitable donations to Maori initiatives in employees’ names
Explore NZ Gift Ideas
Find more meaningful New Zealand gifts in our Kiwiana Gifts Guide and NZ Gifts Guide.