Matariki - Meridian Energy

What constellation/cluster is Matariki?

• Southern Cross constellation

• Big Dipper star cluster

• Orion's Belt star formation

• Pleiades star cluster

How many stars are in the Matariki star cluster?

• 9

• 5

• 12

• 7

Why is Matariki significant to Maori people?

• It is a time for hunting and gathering

• It is a celebration of the winter solstice

• It marks the beginning of the Maori planting season

• It marks the Maori New Year and is a time for reflection, remembrance, and celebration of new beginnings.

What does Mānawatia a Matariki mean?

• To honor, acknowledge and welcome in Māori New Year

• Happy Māori New Year

• Time to celebrate Māori New Year

What is the connection between Matariki and the Maori New Year?

• Matariki is a traditional Maori dance performed during the New Year celebrations.

• Matariki is a famous Maori warrior associated with the New Year festivities.

• Matariki is a type of food eaten during the Maori New Year.

• Matariki is the star cluster that marks the Maori New Year.

Which month does Matariki usually appear in the New Zealand sky?

• September

• June

• August

• May

What is a legend associated with Matariki?

• Legends of Matariki being associated with winter instead of the Maori New Year

• Matariki being a single star instead of a cluster

• The seven sisters being brothers instead

• Tānemahuta separating his parents

What is the name of the food celebration traditionally celebrated at Matariki?

• Waitapu

• Kaitapu

• Hautapu

• Paitapu

What star is known to be connected to the dead and those who have passed away in the past year?

• Ururangi

• Pōhutukawa

• Matariki

• Hiwa-i-te-Rangi

What is the significance of Matariki rising before the sun?

• It signals the end of the Māori New Year.

• It is a modern tradition with no historical roots.

• It marks the start of the Māori New Year.

• It has no cultural significance.