Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars that rises in the morning sky during midwinter (from late May to early July) in Aotearoa, New Zealand and for many Māori, marks the start of the Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori new year.

One of the brightest clusters, containing hundreds of stars, it is well-known worldwide and can be seen at different times of the year. In English, the cluster is often called by its ancient Greek name, Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia, the cluster is also associated with stories of the Seven Sisters, which vary across Countries. In Hawaiian, it is Makali’i, ‘eyes of royalty’; in Japan, it is Subaru, meaning ‘gathered together’; in China, it is Mao; in India, it is Krittika.

For many cultures, these stars' appearances are an occasion to come together to celebrate life and its seasons - to plant, harvest and notice the weather and life around us. In Aotearoa, for Māori, Matariki is a time to come together with whānau (family) and friends to reflect on the past, honour those who are no longer with us, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

This year the cluster returns on Friday, July 14. Early morning, just before dawn, is the optimum time to view the Matariki cluster. We’re working with Melbourne Planterium to get all the right details on when best to view the cluster from here in Naarm. Watch this space!
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Together with resident artist Ruby Brown, we invite you to join us at correspondences to celebrate the rising of Matariki and the te Mātahi o te Tau, the Māori new year.

We'll be gathering together to reflect on the Mātauranga Māori (ancestral knowledge and wisdom) at the heart of the celebration of Matariki. While we share some kai (food) and listen to some good music, we'll make together to create a space to reflect on the past, honour loved ones no longer with us, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. Read on for our making plans, the day's proceedings and the preparation recommended. 
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Location & Bookings:
correspondences 39 Sydney Road, Bulle-beke (Brunswick) VIC 3056. Please press the 'Join the guest list' button to book.
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Proceedings:
—10:30 am // Welcome, set up, and explore Ruby's exhibit and the materials we have brought today. You can also watch the short film on the TV in the exhibition space that tells the story of Matariki.
—10:45 am-11:00 am// Matirki and the new year // We'll talk a little about Matariki and the new year while enjoying a cuppa and colouring some tin foil we will also use to make. It's also a time to reflect on being present and thinking about what the new year means to each of us.
—11:00-11:30 am// The first activity, Remember a loved one //Matariki Mahi Toi: Make a Frame, centres on the idea/experience of remembrance. It's a time for us to make a special frame while remembering the loved ones who are no longer with us. As we make, some of us may share stories of our loved ones, while others may prefer to keep their thoughts private while focusing on making and remembering. What you choose to frame is up to you. It might be a photograph, or it might be a text, drawing or anything else that reminds you of that person. In preparation, we have provided some notes below.
—11:30 am// The second activity, Celebrate the present/ Kai time // Tipuānuku: food from the earth, centres on being present. It's a time to share some yummy kūmara / sweet potato and kāreti | carrot soup with freshly baked bread, followed by cake. As we eat, some of us may choose to keep making or chatting with the person next to us about our loved ones or plans for the future.
—12:00 pm-12:30 pm// The final activity, Plans for the future: Whetū Mobile / Star mobiles, centres on the future. It's a time to think about our dreams, hopes and plans for the year ahead while making a mobile to hang in a special place at home to remind us about our aspirations and hopes.
—1:00 pm - Event concludes.
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Notes:——
—1) Each child must be accompanied by an adult guardian – Mum, Dad, Granny, Grandpa, Uncle or Aunty. The making activities are suited for children aged 5-10. Guardians, concerning the suitability of our activities, you know your child best. Please reach out if you have any inquiries.

—2) There are two ticket options:
Option 1 Single Admission Adult Ticket 1 $20 includes participation in all activities, kūmara / sweet potato and kāreti | carrot soup with fresh baked Khorasan bread, cake, coffee/tea & all writing/drawing/making materials.
Option 2 Adult with 1 child $25 includes participation in all activities, kūmara / sweet potato and kāreti | carrot soup with fresh baked Khorasan bread, cake, coffee/tea/drinks for 2 & all writing/drawing/making materials.
Option 3 In a gesture of manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness, generosity, support - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others), we would like to offer the local community access to a limited number of free tickets to join us. If you would like to apply for one, please reach out info@correspondences.work.

—3) Preparation:  Remember a loved one // Matariki Mahi Toi: Make a Frame.
At home, take a moment to think about someone special in your life that you'd like to remember. Recall the special moments you shared and the wisdom they passed on to you. Perhaps, there is a special recipe they cooked for you, a song they loved/sang, an important story or a particular skill you learned from them. Or, maybe there is a special object they gifted to you, a photograph, a special written note or something else that reminds you of the special influence on your life. Think about these things, and if you like, bring materials, pictures or written words that express your love for them. Or, if you're not quite ready to share, just do your thinking at home and come along to make your frame.
—3) Preparation:  Plans for the future: Whetū Mobile / Star mobiles
At home, take a moment to think about your hopes, dreams, and aspirations, not only for yourself but for your whānau (family) and hapori (kin/community). Meet with friends, family, or others to think of a goal that you’re all working towards.

—4) To listen to a karakia (incantation) associated with Matariki and learn more about how Matarki gets its name, watch this > video from 1:00-13:13:00 mins by Dr Rangi Matamua.

—6) To read an interesting article by Duane W. Hamacher entitled 'Kindred skies: ancient Greeks and Aboriginal Australians saw constellations in common', press this link > here. Another article also can be accessed by Karlie Noon and Krystal De Napoli entitled ‘Indigenous Songlines tell the story of the night sky’, access here > here.

Credits & acknowledgements: Image credits: Still from the video, How to find Matariki star cluster, by Te Papa Tongarewa/ Museum of New Zealand. Our making activities were inspired by similar activities designed by the Museum. We thank Te Papa for sharing their resources so that our communities can learn.