Tipuārangi is linked to birds and other elevated foods such as fruits and berries from trees. During the rising of Matariki, kererū were harvested in large numbers, cooked, and then preserved in their own fat. This activity gave rise to the statement:
Ka kitea a Matariki, kua maoka te hinu
When Matariki is seen the fat of the kererū is rendered so the birds can be preserved
If Tipuārangi is hard to see at Matariki - kai from the sky will be scarce. If she is nice and bright – there will be plenty of food from the sky.
