#59 Dr Rangi Matamua
About this episode
Dave Letele interviews Professor Rangi Mātāmua about the revival and significance of Matariki, Aotearoa's Māori New Year.
This week, Dave sits down with Professor Rangi Mātāmua — the man behind the revival of Matariki — for a special kōrero about the history, meaning, and resurgence of Aotearoa's Māori New Year. After inheriting a 400-page manuscript from his grandfather documenting over a thousand Māori stars, Rangi set out to honour his grandfather's wish to share that knowledge with others. His work has helped reintroduce Matariki to a new generation and played a pivotal role in establishing it as a national public holiday. Together, Dave and Rangi explore what Matariki truly represents — honouring those we've lost, celebrating the present, and looking ahead with hope and purpose. They unpack the traditions behind the celebration, the story of its remarkable resurgence, and why it matters to people across Aotearoa.
People in this episode
Host: Dave Letele
Guest: Professor Rangi Mātāmua
Topics covered
- Matariki
- Māori New Year
- cultural resurgence
- traditions
- history
- celebration
Keywords
- Matariki
- Māori
- New Year
- cultural traditions
- Aotearoa
- Professor Rangi Mātāmua
- celebration
- resurgence
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Aotearoa
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