Matariki announced as an official public holiday in New Zealand

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern has revealed the first Matariki public holiday will be held on Friday 24 June 2022 after consideration by an expert panel. 

The public holiday will shift each year, similar to Easter, but will most likely always fall between June and July. 

Belgravia Leisure’s New Zealand General Manager, Mark Blake says, “It’s great to see Matariki finally announced as an official public holiday in New Zealand for 2022. It is an incredible way to pay respect, celebrate and raise awareness.” 

This year Matariki will be celebrated between 19 June to 11 July. Whakanuia te tau hou Māori, 19 o Pipiri ki 11 o Hōngongoi 2021. 

What is Matariki? 

Matariki, also known as Māori New Year, is a time for celebration, growth and renewal. It’s also a chance for people to get together and remember those relatives who had died, to share food, tell stories, sing and play music. 

Matariki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. It’s visible to the naked eye at a specific time during the year. 

The Matariki star cluster rises in mid-winter, ushering in the Māori New Year, and is marked from 13‒20 July this year. 

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