Matariki Name Meaning

Matariki is a Maori name that holds cultural significance in New Zealand. It refers to the Pleiades star cluster, known as the Seven Sisters, which is part of the Maori lunar calendar. The appearance of the Matariki stars in the sky signals the Maori New Year, a time for celebration and reflection on the past year.

In Maori tradition, Matariki is associated with new beginnings, renewal, and harvest. It is a time for communities to come together, honor their ancestors, and plan for the future. The name Matariki is derived from the Maori words "mata" (eyes) and "riki" (tiny), reflecting the twinkling nature of the Pleiades stars.