The Cluster

The stars of Matariki rise together as Te Waka o Rangi — the celestial canoe of the sky. Matariki sits at the prow; Puanga rises west for many rohe.

Matariki

Pōhutukawa

Tipuānuku

Te Waka o Rangi · the celestial canoe

Matariki mā Puanga

For Whanganui, Taranaki, parts of Te Tai Tokerau, and Te Waipounamu, Puanga (Rigel) marks the Māori New Year rather than Matariki. Puanga is a peer marker — never framed as "South Island Matariki" — and is acknowledged on every surface of this experience.

Karakia by Prof. Rangiānehu Mātāmua.
Published by Te Arawhiti / Manatū Taonga at matariki.com.
© Rangi Matamua 2023. Used under matariki.com non-commercial celebration terms.
ISBN 978-1-77550-870-0 (Online).