Ten locations throughout Southland are in line for signs that will help both locals and visitors identify and understand the Matariki star cluster.

Matariki's appearance in the sky in the early morning of Aotearoa New Zealand's mid-winter months, June or July, marks the beginning of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar.

It represents a time for remembrance, joy and peace and has also been used by Māori for generations as a guide for navigation both on the sea and land.

Today (14 July 2023) also marks the second time Matariki has been celebrated with a public holiday. The first was on 24 June 2022.

The Southland District Council (SDC), in partnership with Te Ao Marama, is working on the Matariki wayfinding pou project.

Stage One involves installing signs at 10 sites along the Southern Scenic Route, including Te Anau, Garston, Mandeville, Matariki Cosy Nook, Taramea, Invercargill, Motupohue Bluff, Rakiura Stewart Island, Slope Point and Curio Bay.

However the final positions of the signs will be subject to further consultation.

Stage two will include a pou and signage giving more detail about Matariki and the location.

SDC is collaborating on the project with the four runanga within the Murihiku takiwa, Catlins Coast Inc, Great South and Invercargill City Council. 

The project has been co-funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund (TIF).