As evening approaches
The sun radiates a dim light
Settling down behind the horizon
Exhausting the world of warmth

The brutal wind blows
The air damp and cold
A bonfire sits
Shedding billows of warmth

Iwi dance round the fire
Offering kai
Chanting Hymns and Waiatas
Welcoming back Matariki

Their voices reverberating in the darkness
Accompanying the crooning waves
And singing huia

Children run around
Playing tag and hide and seek
Not understanding the meaning of this special night

Men are out hunting
Hoping to catch a Moa
So they can feed their family
And prove their skills

Elders are calm and at peace
Waiting for their time to come
To join their friends and ancestors
Up in the sky

Scintillating in the sky
Matariki emerges
Symbolizing the start of the new year
A new start for all