Matariki, the Māori New Year, is celebrated annually throughout Aotearoa New Zealand when, in mid-winter, the Matariki star cluster rises.
Issue information
This signals the time of year for us all to remember those loved ones who have gone before us. It leads the way to te waka o Tamarereti, where those who have died in the past year have gathered to begin their voyage to the gathering of those who lived before them, known as tekahui o ngakahurangi.
Matariki is an abbreviation of ‘Ngā Mata o te Ariki Tāwhirimātea (‘The eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea’) and refers to the cluster of stars otherwise known as Pleiades. In the creation story, the children of Ranginui (the sky father) and Papatūānuku (the earth mother) wished to separate their parents so that light could come into the world. The only brother who did not agree to this was Tāwhirimātea, the god of wind and storms. It is said that Tāwhirimātea was so angry with his siblings for separating his parents that he tore out his eyes and threw them into the heavens.
As souls depart for their next lives, Matariki greets the rising sun – bringing, in all its glory, the promise of a new year and signaling a time to plan for the future and grasp new opportunities.
Product listing for Matariki 2022
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single stamp |
Single $1.50 'Tāwhirinuku, Tāwhirirangi, Tāwhirimātea e' gummed stamp. Tāwhirimātea gave his eyes to his father Ranginui (the sky father), as an adornment for his chest at night. At Matariki you can see them shine – signalling the arrival of a new era. |
$1.50 |
 |
Single stamp |
Single $2.80 'Nga mata o Tāwhirimātea' gummed stamp. Tāwhirimātea’s eyes, now on Ranginui, guide Tamarereti as he carries those who have passed on in the previous year to join the star cluster of those who lived before them. |
$2.80 |
 |
Single stamp |
Single $3.60 'Te Iwa o Matariki' gummed stamp. The nine stars of Matariki – Matariki, Pōhutukawa, Tupu-ā-Nuku, Tupu-ā-Rangi, Waitī, Waitā, Wapuna-ā-Rangi, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi and Ururangi – shine at dawn. |
$3.60 |
 |
Single stamp |
Single $4.10 'Hei kahu mō Ranginui' gummed stamp. Ranginui’s cloak of stars celebrates the gift of food, honours those who have passed and welcomes the rising sun – the sign of a new day. |
$4.10 |
 |
First Day Cover |
Set of four gummed stamps affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. |
$12.50 |
 |
Miniature Sheet |
Mint, used or cancelled gummed miniature sheet. |
$12.00 |
 |
Miniature Sheet First Day Cover |
First day cover with gummed miniature sheet affixed. Cancelled on the first day of issue. |
$12.50 |
 |
Presentation Pack |
You could learn more about the Matariki story with the presentation pack, with copy written in both English and te reo Māori. The pack was the ultimate collector’s item for this issue and included the full set of stamps, a miniature sheet and a first day cover. |
$35.50 |
Technical information
Stamps
| Date of issue: | 4 May 2022 |
|---|---|
| Number of stamps: | Four gummed stamps |
| Denominations: | $1.50, $2.80, $3.60 & $4.10 |
| Stamps, miniature sheet and first day covers designed by: | K E Design,Tolaga Bay, New Zealand |
| Printer and process: | Southern Colour Print Ltd by lithography |
| Number of colours: | Four |
| Stamp size and format: | 30mm x 40mm (2 x horizontal, 2 x vertical) |
| Miniature sheet size and format: | 150mm x 90mm (horizontal) |
| Paper type: | Tullis Russell 104gsm red phosphor gummed stamp paper |
| Number of stamps per sheet: | 25 |
| Perforation gauge: | 14 |
| Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 3 May 2023. First day covers remained on sale until 1st July 2022. |
