Matariki: ‘historic’ moment as New Zealand celebrates first Indigenous public holiday
Maori new year legally recognised for first time, prompting excitement and debate over how best to mark the day
On the volcanic peak of Maungakiekie, astronomers and stargazers huddled in the freezing early morning to see the constellations of the new year rising. Observatories around the country have opened their doors. At Takaparawhau, overlooking Auckland, 1000 people gathered at dawn for the cracking open of an earth oven, to watch the steam and smoke rise into the dark sky in an offering to the stars.
Across Aotearoa New Zealand, people have been gathering this week in pre-dawn mornings and icy winter nights to honour Matariki, the Māori new year. This year marks the first time the celebration is being formally and legally recognised, making it the country’s first Indigenous public holiday.
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