While you're out stargazing, look out for the different stars that make up Matariki. Their names and meanings are below:
Ururangi - is connected with the various winds.
Waipuna-ā-rangi - is connected with rain, hail and snow.
Matariki - refers to both the star cluster as a whole and a specific star, which signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment, and the health and wellbeing of people.
Tupuārangi - is the star associated with food sources that come from the sky, such as birds, or fruit and berries from trees.
Pōhutukawa - is the star that serves as a reminder of those who have passed on, encouraging us to take the time to remember them and acknowledge their impact on our lives.
Tupuānuku - (“tupu” means ‘to grow’ and “nuku” is the shortened version of “Papatuanuku” meaning ‘Earth’) is the star connected with everything that grows in the ground to be harvested or gathered for food.
Waitī - is connected with all freshwater bodies and the food sources sustained by those waters. Waiti watches over freshwater environments such as awa (rivers), roto (lakes), kukuwai (wetlands), and waipuna (springs).
Waitā - represents the ocean and the seafood that can be harvested from it. This star encourages us to respect our coasts, oceans and marine life.
Hiwa-i-te-rangi - is a wishing star, helping us to realise our hopes and aspirations for the coming year.