Ngā ringa ārahi o te whetū Matariki | Original painting

The guiding hands of the star Matariki. Acrylic mixed media on canvas.

She is the kowhaea or māmā (mother) star of the constellation and a shining guide to her eight children whom she is surrounded by. Matariki represents reflection, hope, and connection to the whenua (land), its environment, health/well-being, and the prosperity of its people. 

I aimed to capture her beauty, strength, and grace as she and her children rise high into the skies, signalling the coming of a new year. Her silhouette adorns the skies above the prominent Ngāpuhi/Ngāti Wai maunga of Manaia, eastward of my hometown of Whangārei. I chose this maunga purposefully to illustrate reflection when we are more connected to our whenua.

Personally, I have witnessed the stars rise above this beautiful, strong maunga, felt the cold winds atop its peak, smelled the fresh dew drops sprinkled over old and new shoots of the ngahere growing around its zigzagging pathways. This observance allows us to be more open and remain in wonder.