Matariki mā Puanga — The Stars of the New Year

As the national Matariki celebration approaches, join Science Communicator Colin Smillie for a relaxed and engaging journey through the night skies, as we explore the significance of Matariki and Puanga, the stars that mark the Māori New Year.

With beautiful images and stories of the skies above Aotearoa, Colin will explore how people have used the night skies, seasonal changes, and environmental tohu (signs) to track the passing of the seasons, navigate the world around them, and to mark the beginning of the new year.

No prior astronomy knowledge required — just bring your curiosity, your questions, and your sense of wonder!