Talanoa: Matariki tradition has deep roots in Te-Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa

The start of Matariki was celebrated on Friday and in Aotearoa it signals the start of the Maori New Year. It is tied to the rise in the night sky of the Matariki star cluster - also known as Pleiades - it marks seasonal planting and is said to herald time to spend with family, friends and loved ones.
So, do we have a similar tradition in the pacific? That’s what we put to Cook Islands Tama ‘Atui Korero, or cultural expert, Ma'ara Maeva from the Mauke community in Otara.

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This is a beautiful and important kōrero by Tama 'Atui Kōrero. Matariki is a Pacific celebration brought here by the ancestors of the Māori people from the beautiful nations of Te Moananui-ā-Kiwa. When we celebrate Matariki, we also celebrate our connection to our Moana cousins and our place in the world as a Pacific nation.