Matariki and the dark sky reserves in Aotearoa

As Aotearoa New Zealand prepares to once again celebrate Matariki, the Māori New Year, attention is also turning skyward for another reason — the increasing popularity and significance of Dark Sky Reserves. Together, these two threads — one rooted in cultural tradition and the other in environmental protection — are weaving a powerful narrative about our relationship with the night sky.

Matariki is the name given to the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades, which reappears in New Zealand’s winter sky around late June or early July. For Māori, the rising of Matariki marks the start of the new year. It is a time for remembrance, reflection, celebration, and planning for the future. Increasingly embraced nationwide, Matariki is now a public holiday and a central feature of New Zealand’s cultural calendar.

Key aspects of Matariki include:

• Remembrance of those who have passed.
• Celebration of the present with food, music, and whānau.
• Hope for the future, guided by the stars and seasonal cycles.

The ability to see and understand Matariki is deeply tied to the visibility of the night sky — a natural treasure increasingly threatened by urban light pollution.

What Are Dark Sky Reserves?

Dark Sky Reserves are areas recognised for their exceptional quality of starry nights and a commitment to protecting that darkness. These areas restrict artificial lighting to reduce skyglow and preserve natural darkness, making them ideal for stargazing, astronomy, and cultural observation.

Aotearoa has become a world leader in the dark sky movement:

• Aoraki Mackenzie was the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, established in 2012.
• Rakiura/Stewart Island, Great Barrier Island, and Wairarapa have all gained International Dark Sky status.
• Te Manahuna (Mackenzie Basin) is home to some of the darkest skies in the Southern Hemisphere.

These reserves not only benefit scientists and astronomers, but also communities and iwi who value the night sky for cultural and spiritual reasons.

The connection between Matariki and Dark Sky Reserves is natural and profound. For Māori, the stars are tūpuna (ancestors), navigators, and calendars. Dark Sky Reserves help make sure these celestial markers can still be seen clearly, allowing for the accurate observation of Matariki and the continuation of traditional knowledge systems.

Local iwi, such as Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Toa, and Ngāti Kahungunu, are increasingly involved in managing and advocating for these dark sky areas, ensuring Māori perspectives are embedded in science, conservation, and tourism efforts.

With Matariki now a national holiday, there’s growing interest in cultural astronomy experiences:

• Guided stargazing with Māori storytelling in places like Tekapo and Wairarapa.
• Matariki festivals hosted in dark sky regions, combining kapa haka, kai, and astronomical education.
• School programmes teaching both Western astronomy and tātai arorangi (Māori star lore).

This fusion of mātauranga Māori and environmental protection is unique to New Zealand — and increasingly seen as a model globally.

Preserving dark skies isn’t just about stargazing; it’s about restoring balance with nature. Light pollution affects birds, insects, and ecosystems, while disrupting human circadian rhythms. It also severs the deep, ancestral connection humans have had with the stars for millennia.

Matariki reminds us that the stars have always been guides — for planting, harvesting, remembering, and healing. Dark Sky Reserves are our modern effort to honour that guidance, ensuring that the next generation can still look up and see Matariki shine.

Photo Credit: Maki Yanagimachi

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