Mānawatia A Matariki - Celebrate the Māori New Year

To celebrate Matariki, Josh has created a beautiful open edition print honouring the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

The Brightest Star – Matariki, the mother of the constellation, is seen guiding her children as they rise each new year marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of renewal.

In this artwork, Matariki represented as the female figure symbolises not only the star herself but also those of us who look to the night sky each year reflecting on the past, remembering loved ones we’ve lost, and looking ahead with hope and intention.

Behind her, a Poutama pattern rises—a stepped design traditionally seen in tukutuku panels within the wharenui (meeting house). It represents growth, the pursuit of knowledge, and the journey of life. Josh chose this motif to also symbolise a growing cultural awakening—where more people, both Māori and non-Māori, are embracing Matariki and mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge, traditions, values, and worldviews).

Originally designed for Josh’s 2024 collaboration with Cricutanz, this design is now available as open edition prints in A4and A3 sizes.