Matariki and the seven sisters

Matariki is the Maori name for the cluster of stars also known as the pleides. It rises in the mid winter and for many Maori, it heralds the start of a new year. Matariki litterally means eyes of gods(Mata ariki) or little eyes(mata riki). The names of all the 7 stars are Tupu a Rangi(sky tohunga) Waipunu a rangi(sky spring), Tupu a nuku(Tupu-ā-nuku is the eldest of Matariki’s daughters. She spends her time with Papatūānuku tending to the different growing plants), Uru rangi(Ururangi reminds us that a good attitude is always key to success), Waiti and Waita(When we see these two stars in the sky, we are encouraged to join in and support each other).