Matariki Puanga Why we celebrate

The celebration of Matariki, the Māori New Year, dates back over 700 years and is accompanied by long-established traditions. In Te Upoko o Te Ika (Wellington region), some mana whenua celebrate the rising of both Puanga and Matariki.

Puanga is a single whetū (star). While not part of the Matariki cluster, Puanga appears in the evening sky shortly before Matariki rises each year. Puanga rises higher in the sky than Matariki so it’s recognised by hapū and iwi that are unable to see Matariki from their location. Traditionally, the brightness and clarity of the stars are seen as an indicator of the favourability of conditions of the environment and the abundance of the harvest in the coming year.

Matariki Puanga celebrates our unique location in Te Upoko o Te Ika. The shape of the landscape means that in some areas only Puanga can be seen, like in Waiwhetū here in Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt, home to Te Āti Awa ki te Upoko o te Ika a Māui. On the west coast in Porirua, within the boundaries of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Matariki is clearly visible. And being a region surrounded by hills and mountain ranges, there are many vantage points where both are visible – here in Te Whanganui a Tara we have something special!