Eyes on Matariki

Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori (Happy Matariki)

Matariki is a time to gather with family and friends to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

Eyes on Petone will be closed on Friday 24 June and Saturday 25 June.

The two meanings of Matariki both refer to stars:

• mata ariki (eyes of god) and

• mata riki (little eyes).

To find the Matariki star cluster, from early June, before sunrise, look to the north-east horizon.

Find the constellation Tautoru, or Orion’s Belt (sometimes called ‘the pot’).

Trace a line northwards from the three stars of Tautoru.

Look for a faint sparkle of tiny dots, about the same width as Tautoru is long. This is the Matariki star cluster.

Matariki can also be seen during the summer months in this location of the sky after sunset.

For more information, have a look at Te Papa’s helpful video and articles: https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/matariki-maori-new-year/watch-how-find-matariki-star-cluster