How to celebrate Matariki

What to do during Matariki, a time to spend with your whānau, with waiata, whakataukī, and more.

Photograph of a note pinned to a wall. The wall is decorated with white crumpled tissue paper to resemble clouds. The note says: I will organise a monthly online catch up for my extended whānau (family) to re-connect after so long apart

How to celebrate Matariki at home

There are many ways you can celebrate Matariki. Here are a few suggestions for what you can do at home.

Uncle Pare stands in his kitchen. He wear a black and white striped shirt, black scarf, glasses, and a black brimmed hat. His kitchen is overflowing with a well organised array of bottles, utensils, plates, and jars

Ngā tohutohu tao kai me kōrero mō Matariki

Find inspiration for your own Matariki feasts with these recipes – and the kōrero (stories) behind them.

Two young men work to prepare food for a hāngī. The first is using a spatula to check on food from the hāngī while the second is lifting the food from the pit. Three women and another man are in sight around the hāngī pit.

Matariki Whakataukī (proverbs)

Matariki is a time to reflect, share stories, and plan for the New Year. It’s the perfect time to connect with whakataukī (proverbs) and learn from the wisdom of those who came before us.

Ētahi waiata whakanui i a Matariki

Enjoy these three waiata (songs) that celebrate Matariki and learn a little about the background and meaning of each song.