Matariki 2022

What is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori name for a cluster of stars named Pleides which rises in midwinter. When it can be seen twinkling in the pre-dawn sky, this signals the start of a new year for many Māori.

It’s an opportunity for all people to gather with family and friends to reflect on the year that’s been, celebrate the present, and plan for the future.

And this year, on June 24th, Matariki will become a new public holiday for Aotearoa New Zealand. While the date of the public holiday will shift each year to align with the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar), it will always be observed on a Friday - usually in late June or early July.

For information on what you can do to celebrate Matariki see the resource below