Mānawatia a Matariki!
May all the blessings and goodness of Matariki be bestowed upon you.
As the star cluster Matariki rises once more above Aotearoa, we welcome the Māori New Year – a time for remembrance, celebration, and preparation.
This year, the national theme carries a powerful and inclusive message: Matariki Herenga Waka – the gathering or mooring place of many canoes – which translates simply as “For Everyone.”
Matariki 2026 invites all people – regardless of background, culture, or belief – to come together.
The cluster of stars known as Te Waka o Rangi (The Canoe of the Sky) connects us all, just as Tāmaki has long been a home for many communities. It is a reminder that we navigate these waters together, moored by shared values of unity, inclusion, and mutual care.
Mānawatia a Matariki – The Greeting of the Season
When you wish someone a happy Matariki, the most accepted and meaningful greeting is Mānawatia a Matariki. It is more than a simple translation of “Happy Matariki” – it carries a deep blessing: “May all the blessings and goodness of Matariki be bestowed upon you.”
Use it with whānau, friends, colleagues, and even those you have just met. It is a greeting that opens the heart and acknowledges the shared hope this season brings.
Matariki ki te Rangi – Looking to the Sky
Alongside the national Herenga Waka theme, many regional and artistic celebrations are shining a light on Matariki ki te Rangi (Matariki in the Sky). This celestial focus encourages us to lift our gaze: to learn the ancient star lore, to reflect on our place in the universe, and to recognise our shared responsibility as kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment.
Whether you connect with the wider message of “For Everyone” or the more contemplative path of “Matariki in the Sky,” the heart of the Māori New Year remains unchanged. Three pillars guide this season:
- Remembrance – Honouring those who have passed, holding them close in our hearts and stories.
- Celebration – Gathering with whānau and friends, sharing kai (hākari), and rejoicing in the present.
- Preparation – Looking ahead, setting intentions for the year to come, and planting seeds – literally and metaphorically – for the future.
Mark the Dates: Matariki 2026
The official Matariki public holiday in 2026 falls on Friday, 10 July. The traditional period for observing the star cluster runs from 6 July to 13 July.
During this window the constellation is best seen just before dawn, and when many whānau hold their ceremonies, feasts, and moments of quiet reflection.
Celebrate Matariki with Moko Pounamu – 25% Off Storewide
To honour this season of renewal and togetherness, Moko Pounamu is offering 25% off everything on our website* for a limited time.
Whether you are looking for a taonga to gift a loved one at your Matariki gatherings, a piece to mark your own new beginning, or a sculpture to anchor your whānau gathering, now is the perfect moment.
Discount: 25% off all products
Code:
MATARIKI2026
Duration: July 3 - July 27 2026
Eligibility: Storewide – pendants, earrings, sculptures, and all jewellery (*excluding corporate gift collection and items already on sale)
How to Apply Your Discount Code
Applying your Matariki discount is simple:
- Browse our collections and add your chosen piece(s) to the cart.
- Proceed to the checkout page.
- Locate the field labelled “Gift card or discount code.”
- Enter MATARIKI2026 (all uppercase, no spaces) and click Apply.
- Your 25% discount will be deducted immediately from eligible items in your cart.
- Complete your purchase as usual.
Note: The code cannot be applied retrospectively to existing orders or combined with other promotions.
A Taonga for the New Year
Pounamu has always been a stone of connection – to the whenua (land), to whakapapa (ancestry), and to each other. This Matariki, as we gather under Te Waka o Rangi, let a piece of pounamu carry your intentions forward.
Whether it is a Hei Matau for safe passage, a Koru for new growth, or a Toki for strength and leadership, each carving tells a story of resilience and hope.
Matariki Herenga Waka – this season is for everyone. And at Moko Pounamu, we are honoured to share it with you.
Mānawatia a Matariki!
Moko Pounamu Knowledge Library
