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Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea, ki te tau hou Māori. Matariki signifies the beginning of the Māori new year. This is typically celebrated with hautapu (hau - steam, tapu - sacred) which is a ceremony that provides an offering to ngā whetū, the stars. All 9 of ngā whetū represent different things, and are acknowledged during the hautapu. Waitī - represents freshwater Waitā - represents saltwater Tupu-ā-nuku - represents food from the ground (eg kūmara and potato) Tupu-ā-rangi - represents food from above ground (eg birds and berries) Ururangi - represents winds Waipunarangi - represents rain Pōhutukawa - takes care of those who have passed on Hiwa-i-te-rangi - helps you achieve your dreams and aspirations Matariki - represents whānau (family) and takes care of the rest of the whetū
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