Matariki rises again.

The star cluster symbolises the Māori New Year, and its return is being celebrated across the community.

The Ōamaru Public Library started the celebrations yesterday (June 25) with a community waiata, and the festivities continue there until tomorrow (June 27).

Tonight at 6pm, the library is holding Ngā Kōrero o Matariki me te Puaka with matua Darren Rewi. People can learn about Matariki and Puaka and enjoy waiata, hot chocolate and biscuits.

Tomorrow at 6.30am, a star-gazing event is being held at Mākotukutuku (Cape Wanbrow), followed by the unveiling of a new Wicksey mural and celebratory cake back at the library.

The library also has a scavenger hunt set up for children, who, on completion, are given a 3D-printed star.

A Matariki 2024 Star Trail has also been set up around Ōamaru with help from Creative New Zealand funding. QR-coded posters are dotted around Ōamaru, with information about the different stars in the cluster and what they represent.

The official Matariki public holiday is this Friday (June 28).

Matariki 2024 Star Trail posters can be found throughout Ōamaru.