Matariki in the night sky

Matariki in the night sky

Amongst other stars and star clusters can be seen Matariki and Puanga (Rigel in Orion). For some Māori tribes, it was the rising of Puanga that signalled the new year rather than Matariki. Whichever the sign, for all Māori it was a time to celebrate seasonal fertility and remember those who had passed.