Matari'i refers to the same star cluster as Matariki. And for Tahitians, its appearance in the night sky marks the start of Matari'i i ni'a, the season of abundance, which lasts for six months to be followed by Matari'i i raro, the season of scarcity.
It replaces another public holiday, Internal Autonomy Day, on June 29th, which marks the French annexation of Tahiti.
Matariki is significant in Māori culture and traditions, heralding a period of reflection, remembrance, and celebration of new beginnings. It is associated with the heliacal rising of the Pleiades star cluster, which is visible in the night sky during midwinter, signifying the start of the new year in the Māori lunar calendar.
Many of the traditions surrounding Matari'i relate to the Arioi clan, whose ranks included artists, priests, navigators and diplomats who would celebrate the rituals of Matari'i
