The importance of Matariki, as explained by Rakiihia Tau

Matariki is the Aotearoa new year according to the lunar calendar.

In this audio file Upoko of Ngai Tuahuriri Rakiihia Tau  explains the importance of Matariki in terms of what it meant for the life of southern Māori, and puts it in the context of the year-long cycle of mahinga kai — gathering food and the necessities of life.

• Read Matariki, explained by Rakiihia Tau [24kb PDF]
• For more information on Ngai Tuahuriri, see our page on Tuahiwi Marae in Tī Kōuka Whenua.