Celebrating Matariki

Matariki heralds the start of the Māori New Year and has increasingly become a time of celebration across New Zealand. By making Matariki a public holiday, we’ve ensured that everyone can enjoy this special time with friends and family.

This is an exciting time for New Zealand, with tamariki across the motū learning about the Māori new year – the stars, the night sky – and preparing for a day with family and friends, celebrating what makes us unique.

The Matariki public holiday provides a real boost to businesses, especially our tourism and hospitality sectors, with lots of whānau planning mid-winter holidays. Alongside New Zealand’s reputation for manaakitanga and being a beautiful place to visit, te ao Māori is another drawcard for international guests too.

We believe Matariki is another great opportunity for us to showcase our history and culture to the world. It’s a distinctly New Zealand moment, and it makes for a distinctly New Zealand holiday where we can come together to pause, reflect and look to the future.

Last year, over half of the population did something specific to celebrate Matariki and current indications are that this year the number should be higher. This year, Matariki will be celebrated in new and traditional ways and at a level we haven’t seen before.

Across the motū, there’s a range of events happening to help our communities celebrate. A list of Matariki events, celebrations and ceremonies is available on the Matariki.com website and is being regularly updated: www.matariki.com/events

Many New Zealanders already have Matariki traditions, but now everyone has an opportunity to learn about the Maōri New Year and create their own special traditions.

Wherever you are, we hope you and your loved ones get a chance to come together and enjoy the holiday.

Mānawatia a Matariki.