What is Matariki? How should we celebrate it? The Taupō and Tūrangi Herald investigates.

Ever since country music spread from the US, Māori have related to its themes of longing, land, love and community. A Matariki mashup played all the right notes.

Subscribe now to listen. What does Matariki mean to you? Video / 100% Pure NZ New Zealanders have never been so well informed about the Matariki celebrations.

Additionally, just because Matariki is visible does not mean it is the right time to read the stars for what the year ahead will bring.

The origin of the name of the Mäori new year, Matariki, will be discussed in a lecture by University researcher Dr Rangi Mataamua at the Wellington campus tomorrow morning.

Matariki is the Maori New Year and is signified by the reappearance of the Matariki star cluster in the early morning sky.

For the first time, New Zealanders are enjoying an official public holiday this June 24 to celebrate Matariki – also known as Māori New Year.

Both the Matariki star cluster and Puanga will be visible low on the eastern horizon just before the rising of the sun.

The only Matariki I knew was my mate’s younger brother, and even that wasn’t a run-of-the-mill occurrence. My mate’s name is Rangi, his brother is Matariki and his sisters are Moana and Te Rina.

For the first time, New Zealanders are enjoying an official public holiday this June 24 to celebrate Matariki – also known as Māori New Year.