Matariki and Puanga

As Matariki and Puanga rise in the winter dawn sky, people across Aotearoa mark the Māori New Year. This season invites us to remember those who have gone before us, give thanks for the blessings of today, and look forward with hope to the year ahead.

For Christians, these themes of remembrance, gratitude, community, and hope connect naturally with our faith and our trust in God's faithfulness across generations.

Matariki can be celebrated in simple ways at home or in your parish: sharing a meal, remembering loved ones, offering prayers of thanksgiving, caring for creation, or learning more about the traditions and significance of Matariki.

As we look ahead to Matariki, clergy and worship leaders may also find it helpful to revisit the Matariki liturgies prepared by the Tikanga Pākehā members of the Anglican Church's Liturgical Commission. These resources explore themes of remembrance, thanksgiving for creation, whakapapa, and hope for future generations.

Resources

Matariki Liturgies (Anglican Diocese of Auckland) – Worship resources prepared by the Liturgical Commission for use around Matariki. https://aucklandanglican.org.nz/ministry-resources/matariki-liturgies/)

Strandz – Matariki Resources** – Activities, teaching ideas, and faith-based resources for children, families, and churches. https://www.strandz.org.nz/matariki.html

Eco Church Aotearoa – Matariki Resources** – Christian worship resources, sermons, videos, liturgies, and family activities. https://www.ecochurch.org.nz/matariki

Bible Explore – Matariki** – Bible study and faith formation resources connecting Matariki themes with Christian discipleship. https://www.bibleexplore.nz/matariki.html

Matariki Resource Pack (Te Wānanga o Aotearoa)** – Free posters, activity books, reflection resources, and guides for homes, schools, and churches. https://matariki.twoa.ac.nz/resources-and-activities/

What is Matariki? (Te Papa)** – A helpful introduction to the meaning, history, and traditions of Matariki. https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/digital-museum/explore-digital-museum/matariki-maori-new-year/what-and-who-matariki/what-matariki

Mānawatia a Matariki** – Official educational resources, videos, and downloadable materials. https://www.matariki.com/resources

Mānawatia a Matariki – may this season be one of remembrance, thanksgiving, and hope.