Matariki is one of the most significant holidays celebrated in New Zealand. It is a Maori celebration, marking the beginning of the Maori New Year according to the lunar calendar. The holiday’s name, Matariki, translates to 'eyes of God,' and signifies the appearance of the Pleiades star cluster in the mid-winter sky, which indicates the start of the New Year.
The Matariki celebration is a time for the community to come together, acknowledging the year that has passed and welcoming the new year with optimism and spirit. Traditionally, Matariki involves a combination of remembrance, gift-giving, feast sharing and future planning. The holiday represents a significant time for families to recall those who have died, while embracing life, love, and possibilities for the future.
In recent years, Matariki has seen a revival, becoming more widely recognized and celebrated across New Zealand. Government agencies, schools, and community groups organize various events to commemorate this occasion, including music festivals, art exhibitions, and Maori craft shows. There have been on-going discussions to make Matariki a public holiday, emphasizing its cultural importance and the opportunity for New Zealand’s diverse communities to come together and celebrate.