WELLINGTON: The New Zealand government has announced to celebrate Matariki – Maori New Year as a public holiday which will begin on June 24, 2022. its purpose is to show attention on recognizing Maori culture.
Acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Peeni Henare has said that the Date for Public holiday for Matariki is decided for the next 30 years which will give communities and business certainty.
Henare said that the calendar date for the public holiday will be according to the Maramataka each year and will always be marked on Friday.
He added that Matariki will be celebrated uniquely in New Zealand. It will be the first public holiday that recognizes Te Ao Maori.
According to the minister, the celebration will include key values such as unity, sharing, feasting, coming together, and environmental awareness.
Matariki is the Maori name for the Pleiades, and refers to a cluster of stars that rises in mid-winter, marking the start of the Maori New Year. Some Maori tribes name this time of year Puanga, after a bright star that is above and to the right of the Matariki constellation.
To establish the Matariki public holiday formally, a bill will be introduced to Parliament later this year, and people will have the opportunity to provide their feedback during the select committee process.
