Matariki falls on July 14 this year—the second year Aotearoa has celebrated the Māori New Year as a public holiday. We’ve compiled a quick list of some recent Matariki reads published during The Sapling’s hiatus.
Nani Jo Me Ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga
Written by Moira Wairama
Illustrated by Margaret Tolland
RRP: $25.00
“[Moira Wairama] had always wanted to write down the story of Taramainuku, the celestial navigator who can be spotted during Matariki, sailing souls home…” Read the rest of Bee Trudgeon’s heartwarming piece about how this special book came to be here. Also available in an English-language version—Nanny Jo and the Wild Mokopuna.
This bilingual board book is perfect for introducing little ones to Matariki, explaining the meaning of each star in the cluster.
How My Koro Became A Star
Written by Brianne Te Paa
Illustrated by Story Hemi-Morehouse
Published by Huia
RRP: $22.00
A finalist in this year’s Book Awards for Children and Young Adults in the Best Picture Book category, Brianne’s heartwarming debut picture book follows a young boy’s journey learning about the significance of Matariki customs and his attempts to uphold them after the passing of his koro. The te reo version, Kua Whetūrangitia a Koro, is also a finalist in the Te Kura Pounamu category.
Matariki
Written by Rangi Matamua & Miriama Kamo
Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Published by Scholastic NZ
RRP: $34.99
This beautifully illustrated book features 18 stories that tell of the many ways the Matariki constellation is recognised and celebrated around the world.
Part of the Reo Pēpi series that creates user-friendly, bilingual books in English and te reo Māori, Matariki is bursting with ideas and inspiration to make your whānau’s Matariki celebrations sparkle.
The Astromancer: The Rising of Matariki
Written by Witi Ihimaera
Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Published by Penguin
RRP: $25.00
The Astromancer is the tale of the titular Astromancer, who is on the hunt for four new apprentices to learn about Matariki and the Maramataka calendar. The te reo translation, Te Kōkōrangi: Te Aranga o Matariki, is a finalist in the Te Kura Pounamu category at the Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Riwia and the Stargazer
Written by Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Published by Huia
RRP: $22.00
When Riwia’s baby brother, Tawa, passes away, Riwia learns about the journey Tawa’s spirit will make to farewell Aotearoa and join the waka of stars that gathers the spirits of the dead. At Matariki, the family remembers Tawa and gathers to see his spirit burning brightly as a star. Also available in te reo as Riwia Me Te Mātai Arorangi.
The Twin Stars of Matariki: Waitī and Waitā
Written by Miriama Kamo
Illustrated by Zak Waipara
Published by Scholastic
RRP: $21.99
A fun adventure story about the twin stars of Matariki, Waitī and Waitā. A te reo translation, Ko Ngā Whetū Takirua o Matariki: Ko Waitī Raua Ko Waitā, is also available.
More Matariki
Check out Briar Lawry’s Matariki book list from 2020.
Krissi Smith talks to Miriama Kamo about her book, The Stolen Stars of Matariki.
Hannah Marshall is a reader, writer, and advocate for New Zealand books from Wellington. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and she is currently doing her Master of Arts in Creative Writing at VUW's International Institute of Modern Letters. Her debut YA novel, It's a Bit More Complicated Than That, is being published by Allen & Unwin in 2025.