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Te Tōnga a Matariki (The setting of Matariki)
May 13, 2023
As the end of the Māori year approaches, the Matariki star cluster will begin to set with the sun in the Western sky. At this time Matariki isn’t visible. This occurs around the Tangaroa-ā-mua lunar phase during the star marama of Haratua (around 13 May). This period lasts around a month (a lunar cycle) until Matariki rises once again on the next Tangaroa-ā-mua lunar phase. This coincides with the date 10 July 2023 and is when most iwi observe Matariki rising.
Hei rau maharatanga – a time for rememberance
While Matariki is associated life, it also has a strong connection with death. The star Pōhutukawa in particular is associated with those whom have passed away. Once tohunga kōkōrangi have ascertained the Matariki signs for the year ahead, the community will gather together to mourn the dead.