How do I find Matariki?

In the month of Pipiri, which is June – July, the star cluster Matariki rises in the Northeast, which is used to signify the coming of the Māori New Year.

Starting with Māhutonga, which is also known as the Southern Cross, found on lots of things like our flag

During the time of Matariki, you will find Māhutonga upside down to look more like an anchor.

Track east from this constellation along our journey to find Matariki.

As we track along, we should find the brightest star in our sky Hinetakurua, also known as The Winter Maiden.

Some people see the bottom of a pot, others see Orion's belt, but we are going to imagine a bird perch or a paemanu, from which a bird is reaching up to pluck a significant star – puanga or puaka.

To find Matariki, use Tautoru to point towards the direction we need to go, until we get to Matakāheru – a triangle-shaped constellation which is linked to a triangle-shaped tainui spade of the same name.

Now just off its shoulder, we will see a bright cluster of stars, this is Matariki. With a telescope we would be able to see hundreds of stars that make up the star cluster, but with the naked eye we can just point out about seven to nine of the brightest stars.

This is what we know in Aotearoa