Australian Museum Celebrates Matariki and Puanga with Indigenous Cultural Observances

The Australian Museum's First Nations & Pasifika division has conducted activations honoring Matariki and Puanga, celestial markers significant in Māori culture. These observances include the Hautapu ceremony involving an earth oven, which serves to commemorate ancestors and express gratitude for natural harvests. The recognition of these stars as part of public celebrations has expanded this year in both Aotearoa (New Zealand) and Australia. The practices connect to traditional knowledge systems, seasonal indicators like the Puawānanga flowering vine, and historical practices of navigation and resource management. Logan Haronga-Metcalfe, Pasifika Collections Officer at the museum, authored the account highlighting these cultural traditions.