Matariki: A Christian Perspective on New Zealand’s Māori New Year

This Friday New Zealand recognises Matariki with a holiday. Many Christians struggle with the concept and how to recognise this new holiday, but at the heart of Matariki are themes that align deeply with Christian values – giving thanks for the harvest, remembering the past, looking ahead with hope, honouring loved ones who’ve passed, and gathering with whānau in love and unity. Just as we celebrate Christmas, New Year, and Easter in faith-filled ways, we can also embrace Matariki as a meaningful time to reflect and give thanks.

In te ao Māori (Maori world), Matariki is seen by some as atua – spiritual beings connected to harvest, health, and the afterlife. The traditional hautapu ceremony involved offering food and prayers to these stars. Today, some Maori still follow this, while others see Matariki more symbolically, as a reminder of the deep connection between the natural and spiritual world. Many Christian Māori honour Matariki by directing their prayers and thanks to God alone.

For Christians, the stars themselves hold no power. Instead, we worship the Creator – the one true God who made the stars. The Word of God teaches us that the maker of Heaven and earth (Gen 1:16), including Pleiades/Matariki (Amos 5:8), is the one who alone gives life, sustains us, and opens the way to eternity. When we look to the night sky, we are reminded of our smallness and God’s greatness (Ps 8:3-4, Ps 19:1-2) and we respond in awe and worship.

This Matariki, I pray that we may give thanks, remember, and rejoice as we lift our eyes to the Heavens and wonder at our God’s amazing creation.  In turn as we lift our hearts to the Lord may He help us navigate the opportunities of this new national holiday.

Adapted and abbreviated from Rev ((Dr) Stuart Langley.