Latest news with #MatarikimāPuanga
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Celebrate Matariki With 'Matariki Mā Puanga' Live From Ohakune
LIVE from Tirorangi Marae in Ohakune on Friday June 20, as they lead a powerful celebration of one of Aotearoa's most significant cultural holidays - Matariki. Now in its fourth year, the prestigious LIVE broadcast is embraced and celebrated across multiple networks and media outlets across Aotearoa. This year, Matariki mā Puanga (previously broadcast with the title Mānawatia a Matariki) begins at 5.45am with the traditional hautapu ceremony, honouring ancient customs and ushering in the Māori New Year. This year's theme recognises the sacred relationship between the stars Matariki (Pleiades) and Puanga (Rigel), both of which rise in Aotearoa's eastern sky before dawn during the winter season. As Professor Rangiānehu (Rangi) Mātāmua (Tūhoe) ONZM explains: 'Some iwi and regions look to Puanga rather than Matariki as the primary marker of the New Year. This year, we're broadcasting from Ohakune, in the shadow of Ruapehu, and for the iwi of Ngāti Rangi, Puanga holds special significance. It felt right to acknowledge that in the title of this year's broadcast. Matariki mā Puanga is a reminder that despite our diverse origins and practices, this celebration brings us together—to reflect, to renew, and to celebrate what unites us.' Over more than three hours, the broadcast will help New Zealanders understand the cultural history and importance of Matariki, and weave together stories of remembrance, renewal, and joy. There will be regional reports from Wairoa to Tāmaki Makaurau, and beyond, and a very special LIVE Kapa Haka performance Te Kura Nui o Paerangi at Tirorangi. Adding youthful energy and insight is te reo champion and social media star Te Aorere Pewhairangi (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Ruataupare), reporting from the field. Audiences will be uplifted by powerful musical performances from across the motu, including: MOHI (Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) – award-winning neo-soul singer-songwriter. The iconic Te Reo o Te Arepa Ratana Morehu Silver Band (RMSB) (Te iwi Morehu). Seth Haapu (Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Porou) – acclaimed Pacific soul artist and musical collaborator who has worked with some of New Zealand's most beloved musical acts including Stan Walker, Tami Neilson, Maisey Rika, Sons of Zion, TEEKS and more! Dynamic emerging artist AJA (Ngāti Raukawa, Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Porou). Matariki mā Puanga is more than a broadcast—it's a heartfelt invitation for all of Aotearoa to embrace our stories, honour our traditions, and create new ones together. Join the celebration on Friday 20 June, from 5.45am on Whakaata Māori TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sky Open, PasifikaTV, Stuff, RNZ and Iwi radio.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Rotorua set to shine bright this Matariki with the return of the ARONUI Drone Show
Press Release – Rotorua New Zealand This years theme, Matariki m Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Rotorua is fast becoming 'the' destination to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki, with jam-packed schedule of events, music, activities and a sacred dawn ceremony – all of which enable locals and manuhiri alike to share the tikanga and magic that Matariki brings. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Matariki adviser Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) says Matariki – the Māori New Year – is a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present, and plan for the future. 'Matariki was tied to the land, and those who occupied it initiated practices on how best to prepare. These traditions continue today, and all of these events in Rotorua help us connect through kai, kōrero, music and shared experience.' Set against the backdrop of Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, these events promise to bring the community together in meaningful, uplifting ways. 'It's a beautiful time to be in our city, and it's particularly special to be able to share our traditions with new generations, cultures, locals and manuhiri. Together, we are creating a new legacy around Matariki.' As Matariki is more than just a single public holiday, Keepa gifted the name 'Matawiki' to Rotorua, to acknowledge a full wiki (week) of connection, remembrance and celebration. Mayor Tania Tapsell says Rotorua is fast becoming the top destination to celebrate Matariki. 'We really made a mark last year with a drone show on our Lakefront and we can't wait to build on this for 2025. We're so grateful for the opportunity to support and promote all the incredible people and organisations in our community contributing to these memorable and powerful Matariki events in Rotorua. 'The Matariki stars shine on everyone, and I really encourage locals and visitors to embrace the values of inclusion and coming together as a community as we celebrate in June'. Matariki highlights in Rotorua include: Tohunga Tūmau Dinner – A five-course indigenous dining experience celebrating Māori cuisine, on 13 June at the Energy Events Centre. Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show – A captivating Matariki storytelling experience featuring drones and light displays on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Rotorua Night Market – An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, alongside regular favourites, coinciding with the Drone Show on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu – Iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held on the morning of 20 June at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a specific land section of what is widely known as the Rotorua Lakefront. Matariki Hautapu Ceremony – A sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal, held on 20 June at Te Puia. Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia – An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment on 20 June at Te Puia. Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814 – Celebrate the Māori New Year with live music from 1814, supported by Jordyn with a Why and R67, on 21 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Matariki Glow Show – A free, bilingual theatre performance for tamariki, on 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners – Enjoy seasonal dishes inspired by the stars of Matariki, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī and Waitā, every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia. For more information on these events, visit RotoruaNZ proudly supports the mahi of the many event organisers and creatives bringing these events to life. By amplifying their efforts, the goal is to make sure everyone in Rotorua knows what's on and feels welcome to take part.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Rotorua set to shine bright this Matariki with the return of the ARONUI Drone Show
Rotorua is fast becoming 'the' destination to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki, with jam-packed schedule of events, music, activities and a sacred dawn ceremony – all of which enable locals and manuhiri alike to share the tikanga and magic that Matariki brings. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, is all about inclusion, embracing diversity, and celebrating together. Matariki adviser Mataia Keepa (Ngāti Whakaue, Te Arawa) says Matariki – the Māori New Year – is a time to reflect on those who have passed, give thanks for the present, and plan for the future. 'Matariki was tied to the land, and those who occupied it initiated practices on how best to prepare. These traditions continue today, and all of these events in Rotorua help us connect through kai, kōrero, music and shared experience.' Set against the backdrop of Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, these events promise to bring the community together in meaningful, uplifting ways. 'It's a beautiful time to be in our city, and it's particularly special to be able to share our traditions with new generations, cultures, locals and manuhiri. Together, we are creating a new legacy around Matariki.' As Matariki is more than just a single public holiday, Keepa gifted the name 'Matawiki' to Rotorua, to acknowledge a full wiki (week) of connection, remembrance and celebration. Mayor Tania Tapsell says Rotorua is fast becoming the top destination to celebrate Matariki. 'We really made a mark last year with a drone show on our Lakefront and we can't wait to build on this for 2025. We're so grateful for the opportunity to support and promote all the incredible people and organisations in our community contributing to these memorable and powerful Matariki events in Rotorua. 'The Matariki stars shine on everyone, and I really encourage locals and visitors to embrace the values of inclusion and coming together as a community as we celebrate in June'. Matariki highlights in Rotorua include: Tohunga Tūmau Dinner – A five-course indigenous dining experience celebrating Māori cuisine, on 13 June at the Energy Events Centre. Aronui Arts Festival Drone Show – A captivating Matariki storytelling experience featuring drones and light displays on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Rotorua Night Market – An expanded market with kai, crafts and stalls from past Aronui Māori Market vendors, alongside regular favourites, coinciding with the Drone Show on 19 & 20 June at the Rotorua Lakefront. Ngāti Whakaue Hautapu – Iwi-led, traditional Matariki New Year ceremony held on the morning of 20 June at Whakatāhuna Ngaru, a specific land section of what is widely known as the Rotorua Lakefront. Matariki Hautapu Ceremony – A sacred dawn ceremony of remembrance, gratitude, and renewal, held on 20 June at Te Puia. Whānau Fun Day at Te Puia – An interactive celebration for the whole family with activities and entertainment on 20 June at Te Puia. Te Mātahi o te Tau featuring 1814 – Celebrate the Māori New Year with live music from 1814, supported by Jordyn with a Why and R67, on 21 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Matariki Glow Show – A free, bilingual theatre performance for tamariki, on 22 June at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Te Puia Matariki Buffet Dinners – Enjoy seasonal dishes inspired by the stars of Matariki, Tupuānuku, Tupuārangi, Waitī and Waitā, every Thursday and Friday throughout June at Te Puia. For more information on these events, visit RotoruaNZ proudly supports the mahi of the many event organisers and creatives bringing these events to life. By amplifying their efforts, the goal is to make sure everyone in Rotorua knows what's on and feels welcome to take part.
RNZ News
03-05-2025
- Science
- RNZ News
Puanga to take starring role at this year's Matariki celebrations
Puanga and Matariki pictured above Ruapehu. Photo: Supplied/Richie Mills and NAIA Limited. The theme for this year's Matariki holiday is 'Matariki mā Puanga' highlighting the communities who observe the star Puanga in their astronomical traditions Puanga is the star Rigel, the brightest star in the Orion constellation. In the late autumn and early winter night sky Matariki is seen below Puanga and to the left of Tautoru (the three stars of Orion's Belt). While it is visible throughout the year, Puanga becomes especially prominent in the evening sky towards the end of autumn and in the predawn sky during the first month of the Māori new year. Puanga will feature at this year's nationally broadcast hautapu ceremony hosted by Ngāti Rangi at the base of Ruapehu. Ngāti Rangi spokesperson and leading Puanga expert Che Wilson said it was an honour for the iwi to host the ceremony and to be a part of the work that has been done over the past few years by Professor Rangi Mātāmua and all the host iwi - from Te Āti Awa and Ngāti Toa to Te Arawa and last year Ngāi Tahu. Traditional stories related to Puanga are shared across many iwi across Aotearoa but are prominent on the western side of Te Ika a Maui, including among the iwi of Taranaki, Whanganui and Rangitīkei. The North Island's main divide of the Tararua, Ruahine and Kaimanawa ranges separates the island's weather systems so Puanga gives iwi on the western side a better read on how to prepare for the year ahead, Wilson said. "The reason we look to Puanga isn't because we can't see Matariki, there are parts of the region where you can't, but actually the reason we look to Puanga is because Puanga gives us a better read for the weather on the west coast," he said. Wilson said traditionally iwi on the west coast would start to observe changes in the weather during autumn, while the months around Matariki were a time to wānanga, to meet and deliberate. "The thing is that Puanga and Matariki aren't that different, a lot of it is nuance. We do have a separate ceremony done the month before called Te Maru o te Tau where we send all of our mate with the setting sun to the pō, and that's when we call out our names." Matariki and Puanga have always gone together in karakia, Wilson said. They also look to other celestial bodies such as the Southern Cross, Atutahi (Canopus) and Rehua (Antares). "In our karakia we acknowledge Matariki during the mate, as we acknowledge those that have passed, because they become part of te huihui o Matariki. So that's our reference to Matariki but the remainder of the ceremony is actually focussed in on looking at Puanga." Wilson said it was a beautiful thing that New Zealand is starting to recognise both Matariki and Puanga. "It's a chance for everybody to go out and send intention to whoever you may call your atua and to make that connection to nature, to the environment." Wilson said this year's hautapu ceremony will differ slightly from those broadcast in previous years. After the opening of the ceremony the next step is te tākiritanga o ngā mate, invoking those people who have died in the last year, he said. "We don't call out our mate but we then invoke them to transition to become stars." Next is the hautapu proper, the offering of food. But Wilson said instead of offering food to the stars they are offered to four atua or deities, Tāne, Tangaroa, Rongo and Maru. "So we give to atua rather than stars, though those atua are also shown in the sky at that time." The last part of the ceremony is the whakapūmautanga, where a pou or post is placed into the ground. Wilson said those reciting the karakia bind the pou with intention as they "commit ourselves to our tūpuna, to our atua and to nature." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
