Matariki, or Maori New Year, is the time when whanau and friends gather, trees are planted, food is collected for the winter, and a beautiful group of blue stars rise in the east just before dawn. Anyone interested in Maori culture and astronomy will enjoy learning about “te whakanui i a Matariki” – celebrating Matariki, at Stardome with these events on during the Matariki Festival.
The planetarium show ‘Matariki Dawn’ looks at cultural and astronomical aspects of this group of spectacular stars. The show includes Maori myths and stories about the formation of the Earth, the Moon, and Maori New Year. Using the Stardome’s 360 degree image projection system, visitors can also see the stars of Matariki close up in the planetarium, and find out why they appear at certain times of the year and not at others.
Book now by calling 09 624 1246 or emailing info@stardome.org.nz.
