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Matariki

Welcome the Maori New Year with Matariki - a star-filled celebration of renewal, remembrance, and connection all under the southern skies.

Friday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATENZ statutory schedule (Public Holiday Act 2022)

OBSERVED INNew Zealand

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYIndigenous

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to gaze at the stars as we welcome the Maori New Year with Matariki on June 28! Matariki is a centuries-old Maori celebration that marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster in the mid-winter skies of New Zealand. This star-studded event, also known as the Maori New Year, is a unique blend of astronomy, mythology, and culture. It's an exciting occasion to learn about the rich history and traditions of the Maori people, and renew our connections with the environment and each other. So let's embark on this celestial journey as we delve into the fascinating world of Matariki under the southern skies!

TIMELINE

Matariki Timeline

Origins of Matariki

Matariki has been observed by Maori and Pacific cultures since pre-European times, dedicated to the Pleiades star cluster typically appearing in mid-Winter.

Missionary Influence

With European settlement and the influence of Christian missionaries, Matariki celebrations dwindled through the 19th century.

Matariki Documented

Early documentation of Matariki traditions by ethnographers and Maori scholars helped preserve knowledge about the holiday during a period of cultural assimilation.

Revival of Matariki

Te Papa museum in Wellington holds one of the first public Matariki events in the new millennium, beginning a revival of the holiday.

Astronomical Guide

Dr Rangi Matamua publishes a guide about the astronomical aspects of Matariki, helping popularize and formalize celebration of the holiday.

Public Holiday in NZ

The New Zealand government declares Matariki a public holiday, with the first observation set to take place in 2022.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Matariki

Create a Matariki kite

Getting crafty is a fun way to celebrate Matariki. The Maori tradition includes the activity of kite-making, as kites are seen as connectors between the heavens and earth. Spend the day making your own kite and launch it in celebration of the New Year.

COOK

Cook a traditional Maori meal

In line with the spirit of sustenance during Matariki, prepare a traditional Maori meal. This could include dishes such as Hangi, a method of cooking underground with hot stones, or Rewena bread, a traditional Maori sourdough bread.

HOLD

Hold a Matariki storytelling session

Matariki is a great time for storytelling, especially revolving around Maori myths and legends. Gather friends and family around a fire or under the stars to share stories that highlight the history and traditions of the Maori people.

STARGAZE

Stargaze

The Pleiades star cluster is central to the celebration of Matariki. Venture outdoors in the late evening and spend some time stargazing to witness the cluster's brilliance. Utilize a star chart or stargazing app to help locate it in the night sky.

PLANT

Plant a tree

The Maori New Year also signifies the start of the new planting season. Celebrate your connection with the environment by planting a tree or starting a garden. It's a beautiful way to honor Matariki and respect the earth our ancestors lived on.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Matariki

Honoring the Cycle of Life

Matariki is a time for honoring life, remembering ancestors, and preparing for the new year. Through activities like storytelling and reflection, Matariki encourages us to honor our past, celebrate the present, and look forward in hope and anticipation to the future. It is a celebration of renewal, remembrance, and connection under the southern skies.

Connection to the Environment

Celebrating Matariki invites us to reconnect with our environment and become more aware of the natural world around us. From stargazing to tree planting, these activities promote stewardship of our planet, reminding us how integrally we are connected to nature.

Learning about Maori Culture

Matariki provides an enriching opportunity to learn more about the Maori culture and its traditions. From kite-making to cooking traditional meals, celebrating Matariki helps us appreciate the rich heritage, values, and stories of the Maori people.

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