NZ to mark Maori New Year in July

WELLINGTON: New Zealand will celebrate the Maori New Year on July 14 this year and mark its newest public holiday for the second time after last year’s inaugural celebration as a statutory holiday.

Celebrations leading up to Matariki began yesterday as a booklet containing karakia (Maori prayer) for each of the nine stars of Matariki was launched at an event at the Dark Sky Sanctuary in Lake Tekapo of New Zealand’s South Island.

Matariki marks the start of the Maori New Year, signified by t he Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in the night sky.

For Maori, the appearance of Matariki heralds a time of remembrance, joy and peace. |