Mānawatia-a-Matariki  - Dawn Stargazing at Space Place 

Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whānui. Matariki reappears, Whānui starts its flight

Ko te tohu tēnā o te tau e! The new year begins.

The Matariki star cluster appears in our morning sky in midwinter, not long after the winter solstice. It signals the beginning of the transition to spring and eventually to summer. To many iwi, the rising of Matariki signifies the Māori New Year.

Join us and our friends from the Wellington Astronomical Society at Space Place for a morning of stargazing and a live Mānawatia-a-Matariki planetarium show to celebrate Puanga ki Matariki. Come along and learn about the significance of this time of year to Mana Whenua, reflect upon the year gone, and look ahead to the new year.  Kai includes: porridge with toppings, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and Kawakawa tea.