Whakatauākī

The following are proverbs relating to Matariki. The list is not exhaustive, and is given as a starting point for further study.

The book Ngā Pepehā ā Ngā Tīpuna published by Victoria University Press includes more detailed explanations of the proverbs below.

Ētahi Whakatauākī o Matariki

Matariki ahunga nui = Matariki provider of plentiful food.

Ngā kai o Matariki nāna i ao ake ki runga. = Matariki scoops up the food.

Matariki hunga nui = Matariki has many admirers.

Matariki kanohi iti = The tiny eyes of Matariki.

Haere atu rā e koro ki te paepae o Matariki, o Rehua. Haere atu ra. = Farewell old man, go to the threshold of Matariki, of Rehua. Farewell.

Tēnā ngā kanohi kua tikona e Matariki = Matariki will keep you awake.