Matariki 2024
In 2023 Matariki will be celebrated between 29 of June till 6 July, 29 o Hune till 6 o Hūrae 2024. The Public holiday will be observed on the Friday 28th June.
Twinkling in the winter sky just before dawn, Matariki (the Pleiades) signals the Māori New Year. For Māori, the appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance, joy and peace. It is a time for communities to come together and celebrate. In the 2000s, it became more common for both Māori and Pākehā to celebrate Matariki. From 2022, a public holiday marking Matariki will be held in June or July each year.
What is Matariki all about?
Traditionally, Matariki is the period of time in Te Ao Māori to mark the changing of the year. It is a time to reflect upon the previous year and plan for the next. The common Māori translation of Matariki is “eyes of the god”.
Remembrance (the past) - Honoring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki and celebrating the people who have made us who we are.
Celebrating the present - Gathering together, sharing, being grateful.
Looking to the future - making plans, preparing for the coming season, setting goals, hopes dreams and wishes for the future.
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