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Te Tauranga o ngā Waka

Here you’ll find information about Matariki events across Tauranga Moana and Western Bay of Plenty, from Waiororo near Athenree in the north to Ōtamarākau, near Maketu, in the south.

Matariki for our rohe starts on 28 May 2025. The theme for 2025 is Waipuna-ā-rangi. Follow our socials to keep updated.

Matariki events from Waiororo to Ōtamarākau.

This year’s Matariki event programme in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay area embraces the theme of Waipuna-ā-rangi

Waipuna-ā-rangi is a whetū (star) in the Matariki cluster (Te Kāhui o Matariki). She is connected to the rains (ua) and other atmospheric conditions. Translated,

Waipuna-ā-rangi means water that pools in the sky (ngā puna wai i te Rangi).

Waipuna-ā-rangi is the star in the top left of the cluster and is one of the two stars associated with weather, the other being Ururangi. Both stars are positioned above all the others in the cluster as the rain and wind come from the sky.

During the rise of Matariki, the observation of Waipuna-ā-rangi would often foretell the weather outcomes for the coming year.

Depending on the visibility of Waipuna-ā-rangi, if she is difficult to see this might suggest heavy rain and possible flooding. If she shines bright, it is a sign to conserve rainwater and not to expect flooding. These observations would be vital for farmers, fishermen, gardeners, and settlements close to bodies of water.

Waipuna-ā-rangi also symbolises the relationship water has to our life cycle, how it is evaporated from the rivers, oceans, and lakes to fall again as the rain which we drink, and which nourishes the land.

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Our hero image "Wairere" is designed by Kereama Taepa

Waipuna-ā-rangi:
Spring of Light

"Wairere," meaning "flying water," takes on a deeper significance in this work. Here, it speaks not only of the rain cascading from the heavens but also of the vital network of rivers and freshwater reservoirs it feeds. These waterways are the lifeblood of the land, sustaining all who dwell within its embrace. The sculpture's intricate pattern draws inspiration from the rich visual language of turapa (tukutuku), referencing the aramoana design. This pattern provides notions of migration, journey and travel. Here it is used to represent the fresh water as it flows from its source, making its way toward the vastness of the sea. The artwork's form itself evokes the powerful poutokomanawa—the central support post that upholds the entire structure of the whare. Just as the poutokomanawa is essential to the whare's integrity, so too are these "flying waters" essential to the vitality of life. Without the pure, life-giving essence of fresh water, survival itself becomes precarious. This work serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the profound importance of protecting these precious resources.