
What is a hautapu?
In mid-winter, when Matariki appears on the eastern horizon in the morning, a ceremony takes place. This ceremony is commonly known as whāngai i te hautapu – or hautapu for short. It means to feed the stars with a sacred offering.
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All you need to know about the whāngai i te hautapu – the ceremonial offering to Matariki – including how to host your own.
In mid-winter, when Matariki appears on the eastern horizon in the morning, a ceremony takes place. This ceremony is commonly known as whāngai i te hautapu – or hautapu for short. It means to feed the stars with a sacred offering.
Prepare your own hautapu ceremony at home with your whānau (family) by following the steps below.
On June 24, 2022, Te Papa hosted a globally significant milestone with the launch of the country’s first public holiday that acknowledges mātauranga Māori (Indigenous knowledge).