We ask three Kiwi creatives what Matariki means to them

19 June 2025
By Fashion Quarterly

Wondering how you can get involved in Matariki? We asked three wahine how they plan to honour and celebrate Māori New Year. Plus, we suggest four things to do around Aotearoa this weekend.

The stars of Matariki mā Puanga. Credit: matariki.com

Each year in the midst of winter in Aotearoa, a cluster of stars called Matariki rises in the north-eastern skies, heralding the start of the Māori New Year. Rich in history and cultural significance, the appearance of this star cluster has long been considered a time for celebration in Māori culture — a time used to honour loved ones who have passed and celebrate the present and future through waiata, haka and kai. 

As national awareness grows, it is becoming increasingly celebrated with many choosing to go star watching or attend a Matariki event local to them. This year’s Matariki celebrations have expanded to include an additional star: Puanga. Also known as Puaka by Māori in Te Waipounamu (the South Island), this brilliant star is one of the brightest in our night sky. Closely associated with seasonal shifts, weather, and the gathering of kai, Puanga holds deep cultural significance — particularly in regions where Matariki isn’t always visible. Fittingly, the 2025 theme is Matariki mā Puanga – a celebration of inclusion, diversity, and coming together to honour the season in all its forms.

To find out more about how different people will be using the upcoming long weekend to celebrate, we reached out to three wahine in the fashion, art and music scene to learn what this time means to them and how they will be getting involved this year. 

Rebe Burgess.

Rebe Burgess, fashion designer

What does Matariki mean to you?

It’s a special time to be with whānau, to rest and reflect. 

How have you celebrated it in the past?

My whānau and I always come together for Matariki. We share kai and also each set an intention for the year ahead. 

How will you be celebrating in 2025?

We’re hosting my whānau this year here in Tāmaki Makaurau – looking forward to a cosy weekend filled with good kai, laughter, and simply being together!

Ngahuia Williams photographed on the Kaikoura coastline, by Steve Dunstan.

Ngahuia Williams, photographer and model

What does Matariki mean to you?

Matariki is a season that, for me, brings a deep sense of alignment of self. Things usually slow down, and it’s a beautiful time to reflect on the intricacies, vastness, and wonder of the universe, its energy, and our being within that whakapapa.

As the circular rhythm of Matariki begins, I often feel a natural shift to move more thoughtfully (sometimes the body slows before the mind!). 

Creation, regeneration, and connection come to mind, too. With myself, with others, with te taiao, and with the unseen. I know that it is a sacred time for many to re-evaluate, especially where heaviness may linger.

How do you celebrate Matariki?

I love rituals of release, to open and let go of what no longer serves us, so I find it interesting to practice what feels right to me and learn from others around what they do to realign with their greater hauora as an energy

This image I took of Te Maunga o Taranaki makes me think about nature, how alive it is and sometimes how little we ponder things as simple and as great as that!

Te Maunga o Taranaki by Ngahuia Williams.

Aimee Renata (aka Erny Belle), musician

What does Matariki mean to you?

The Māori new year, re-birth, guilt free rest. Reflection and setting new intentions for the future. It’s cold and wintery. I become homebound, lethargic and heavy hearted. It feels transformative in a slow and gentle way. It’s okay to feel a bit sh**ty. You’ll get there in the end. 

How have you celebrated it in the past?

Music, sharing kai with friends and whānau, clearing out things I no longer need. Filling the house with candles and flowers, going North!

How will you be celebrating in 2025? 

This year I’ll be celebrating by playing a show with my band. It’s our debut headline show at St Kevin’s Arcade (Double Whammy). I’m also keen to catch Mara TK, next door later that night and Marlon the following evening. Much to do!

Buy tickets for Erny Belle’s Matariki show at undertheradar.co.nz

Things to do around Aotearoa this Matariki

Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou at Stardome – Auckland

Visit Auckland’s Stardome Observatory & Planetarium this Matariki and experience Ngā Whetū o te Tau Hou (The Stars of the New Year) — an immersive show that takes you on a journey through the night sky. Explore the Matariki star cluster, discover the stories and science behind each of the nine whetū, and learn how the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) connects us to the rhythms of the year. Recommended for ages 8+, this is a meaningful experience for whānau and all curious minds. Book your tickets at stardome.co.nz

Matariki Drone Show – Rotorua

Aronui Arts Festival returns to Rotorua Lakefront with a new celestial story and an expanded Night Market for Matariki 2025. On June 19 and 20, choreographed drones will light up the night sky to a taonga pūoro soundscape by Dr Anaha Hiini, bringing the stories and meaning of Matariki to life. The Night Market runs 5–9pm, with free drone shows from 8pm. A moving celebration of mātauranga Māori and innovation. For more information visit aronuiartsfestival.com

Matariki Heri Kai at Trivet – Auckland

Celebrate the Matariki long weekend at Trivet with Matariki Heri Kai – The Feast of Matariki, a soulful buffet inspired by the moana (ocean), whenua (land), and rangi (sky). Led by Chef Wallace Mua, the menu showcases the multicultural essence of Aotearoa, blending Polynesian flavours and global techniques with the finest local ingredients. From June 20–22, enjoy a special edition of the beloved Kaimoana Feast featuring hāngī-style meats, fresh kaimoana, and Pacific-inspired dishes designed to be shared with whānau and friends. Book your seat at sevenrooms.com

Matariki Ahi Kā – Wellington

Honour the Māori New Year at Matariki Ahi Kā, a free, family-friendly event lighting up Wellington’s waterfront across the long weekend. As Puanga and the Matariki star cluster rise, the city comes alive with fire installations, live performance, kai courts, and powerful nightly ceremonies honouring those who have passed. A vibrant celebration of remembrance, renewal, and connection. For more information visit wellingtonnz.com

Discover more Matariki events near you at matariki.com

Share:

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover
Fashion Quarterly Winter 2023 Cover

Sign up & Join
FQ Insider

Unlock exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and special offers by becoming an FQ Insider.

Don’t miss a thing. Sign up to FQ’s weekly newsletter.

*Ts&Cs apply.
Find out more at fq.co.nz/fq-newsletter