Abstract
This research project considers the themes of the Māori commemoration of the rising of the constellation Matariki and its implications for shaping Christian liturgical resources distinctive to Aotearoa New Zealand. Friday 24th June, 2022 Aotearoa New Zealand marked the seasonal change celebrating its first Matariki public holiday. The Christian community was largely unprepared for this recent phenomenon. The interest in this research stems from the vacuum of theological engagement and liturgical resources within the Christian community.
This research aims to present theological reflections on the themes associated with Matariki offering suggestions for liturgical resources for Christian worship. A mixed method approach was used including Action Research on a church congregation’s unfolding exploration of Matariki in worship and communal life and a sampling of an innovative Matarki liturgy.
It was shown that with the resurgence of interest in Māori astronomy and spirituality that the Christian community has an opportunity to engage with a truly indigenous narrative. Current research supports the notion that a contextualised liturgy is needed if a predominately euro-centric expression of Christianity in Aotearoa is to have any relevance to everyday New Zealanders and their experiences of Matariki.
Overall, the study will propose that a Matariki liturgy unique to Aotearoa New Zealand is both a theological and missiological necessity. For the Christian community it will reveal the strong synergies between Matariki and Christian faith, eliminating ambiguity and encourage participation in Matariki commemorations within the worship space.