The stars of Matariki. Photo: NASA
Matariki known as the Māori New Year is being celebrated in New Zealand but the time of year centred around the star constellation is also acknowledged in Rarotonga.
Cook Islands cultural expert and master carver Michael Tavioni says the Matariki stars were an important tool for navigation by Polynesian people as they sailed across the Pacific.
However, he explains to RNZ Pacific's Caleb Fotheringham why the time of year is more significant for Aotearoa, New Zealand.
