Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters. It marks the Māori new year, which is celebrated by Māori peoples in New Zealand in the last few days of May and early June when Matariki rises before dawn. Traditions include families and schools coming together to view the stars and commemorate their ancestors. Matariki signifies the start of a new year and is said to have watched over Māori peoples for many generations.