Ngā Mata o te Ariki, more commonly known as Matariki, is the Māori name for the star cluster Pleiades which is visible at a specific time of the year, usually June/July.
Anika Moa's Matariki feast
We’ve been busy with our wāhine toa Anika Moa cooking up a delicious Matariki feast for you to whip up with your whānau!
Matariki is traditionally a time to get together to share kai harvested from past seasons. Four of the stars in the Matariki constellation are connected to food; Tupuānuku – this star is related to food grown in the ground, Tupuārangi – food which comes from the sky and trees, Waitī – from rivers, streams and lakes, and Waitā – from the sea.
Matariki feast recipes
The New World Matariki Invention Test
Matariki inspired recipes from the contestants of Three's MasterChef New Zealand.
What is Matariki?
For many iwi Matariki marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. It’s a time of renewal and celebration, a time to reflect, plan ahead and enjoy delicious meals with whānau and friends.
The 9 stars and their significance
Māori legend has is that the nine stars of Matariki are in fact the mother, Matariki, and her eight daughters that surround her in the night sky.