Matariki
Wayfinding Journey
Matariki (Pleiades), is a star cluster called Te Kahui o Matariki. Its appearance with Puaka (Rigel) before the sunrise in the north-east during mid-winter signifies the Maori New Year (Matahi o te Tau). Its arrival is a sign for people to gather, honour the dead, celebrate the present and make plans for the future. It is an indicator for the wellbeing of people, and the environment. Matariki is also the name of the brightest star in the centre of the cluster. She was taken by Rehua (Antares) as a wife and gave birth to eight children (fIve daughters and three sons): Pohutukawa (Sterope), Tupuanuku (Pleione), Tupuarangi (Atlas), Waiti (Maia), Waita (Taygeta), Waipunarangi (Electra), Ururangi (Merope), and Hiwa-i-te-rangi (Calaeno).
Seek your pathway as you traverse the treasures of Murihiku by following the stars as they are reflected in our landscape.
Whaia to ara i a koe e tawhai ana i nga taonga o Murihiku, ma te whai i nga whetu e whakaataria ana i te nuku o te whenua.