Matariki is traditionally a time to get together to share kai harvested from past seasons.

Ngā Mata o te Ariki, more commonly known as Matariki, is the Māori name for the star cluster Pleiades, which is visible at a specific time of the year, usually June/July. 

Four of the stars in the Matariki constellation are connected to food:

• Tupuānuku – this star is related to food grown in the ground.

• Tupuārangi – food which comes from the sky and trees.

• Waitī – food from rivers, streams, and lakes.

• Waitā – food which comes from the sea.