We remind you that school will be closed on Friday as we observe the public holiday to recognise Matariki.

Matariki is a special occasion in the New Zealand calendar which marks the start of the Māori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.

This year, New Zealand celebrates its first public holiday for Matariki on Friday June 24, and there are countless events planned across the country to mark the occasion.

Feast Matariki in Ōtautahi/Christchurch takes place on Saturday, June 25 at the Botanic Gardens, with kai and storytelling on offer from Maori chefs and presenters, including Jonny Schwass, Josh Hunter and Junior Tana.

Purapura Whetū - Stars of Matariki – Friday June 24

A live music event will screen on TVNZ+ and on TikTok on the public holiday, with performances from iconic New Zealand musicians from Six60 to Muroki, Maisey Rika, RIIKI Reid, Kings, Drax Project, Rob Ruha, and Theia & Te Kaahu. Each act will perform at least one song in te reo Māori.