Matariki is a Maori name for a cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. For Maori it’s the start of a new year. In the old times it was about remembering people who have passed away and planting plants but now we fly kites, eat food, and fire fireworks.
There are nine stars in Matariki and they have their own name. Their names are Pohutukawa, Tupuanuku, Tupuarangi, Waiti, Waipunarangi, Ururangi, Hiwa-i-te-rangi. I think that Matariki should be a public holiday because Matariki is a time to celebrate and be with family. If Matariki is a public holiday then family living in different places have more time to travel home.
I found it hard finding information and putting it in my own words.
Ka pai to mahi son! I love the knowledge you have shared here. I also think that your reasoning for Matariki becoming a public holiday is a very valid statement. Spending time with whānau is good for your soul and Matariki is an important time to be together, reflect on the year that has passed and have aspirations for the year to come. You may like to check if you have named all of the stars, I think you may have forgotten a couple. Nāku noa, Mum.
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