Matariki in New Zealand
Matariki is a Māori celebration of the new year, linked to the midwinter appearance of the Matariki star cluster, also known as the Pleiades. In New Zealand, a public holiday called Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki is observed on a date set by law, and the day brings together remembrance, celebration and hopes for the future.[1][2]
A holiday grounded in te ao Māori
Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster known elsewhere as the Pleiades. Its midwinter appearance before dawn signals the Māori New Year for many Māori. The holiday is specific to Aotearoa New Zealand because it formally acknowledges Matariki and te ao Māori as part of the country’s public-holiday calendar.[1][2]
The Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 established the annual public holiday, named Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, or Matariki Observance Day. The Act sets the observance dates in its schedule; they fall in June or July and are Fridays. The date follows the statutory schedule rather than an individual workplace’s choice.[3]
Remembering, celebrating and looking ahead
Matariki is associated with remembrance, joy and peace. Traditionally, people acknowledged those who had died since the cluster’s previous appearance. One ceremony described in Te Ara, whāngai i te hautapu, involves remembering the dead and offering specially prepared foods to the stars.[2]
The season also connects with the harvest and the food gathered for winter. Historical accounts describe feasting, singing and dancing after a period of remembrance. Māori communities and iwi have their own knowledge and practices, so these customs should not be treated as a single universal programme for everyone.[2]
Regional knowledge and contemporary observance
Matariki’s meaning and timing have local dimensions. Iwi have traditionally used different observations of the stars, sun and moon to determine the new year. In some areas, including parts of the west coast of the North Island, Puanga is recognised as a marker of the new year; Ngāi Tahu in the South Island call this star Puaka.[1][2]
The Ministry for Culture and Heritage supports an iwi host each year for a nationally broadcast hautapu ā motu ceremony on Matariki Observance Day. It also provides resources to communities and administers the legislation behind the holiday. The ministry describes Matariki as a time for all people in Aotearoa New Zealand to remember, celebrate the present and look to the future.[1]
What the public holiday means for workers
Matariki is a public holiday under New Zealand law. Employees are entitled to a paid day off when it falls on a day they would otherwise work. If an employee works that day, they must receive at least time-and-a-half for the hours worked and an alternative paid holiday if Matariki is an otherwise working day for them.[3][4]
An employer can require an employee to work on a public holiday only when it is an otherwise working day and the employment agreement says the employee must work. Check directly with an employer or service provider for its Matariki hours.[4]
Matariki in New Zealand: FAQs
Is Matariki a public holiday in New Zealand?
Yes. Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 establishes an annual public holiday called Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, or Matariki Observance Day.[3]
When is Matariki observed?
The Act sets an annual date in its schedule. The observance falls on a Friday in June or July; the date varies from year to year.[3]
Do employees get the day off?
Employees get a paid day off if Matariki falls on a day they would otherwise work. If they work the holiday, minimum entitlements include time-and-a-half and, when it is an otherwise working day, an alternative paid holiday.[4]
Are shops, offices and transport services open?
Opening hours and service timetables can vary, so check with the relevant provider for its Matariki hours.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Matariki in New Zealand:
- Matariki- Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage
- Matariki – Te Tau Hou Māori- Te Ara — The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
- Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022- New Zealand Legislation
- Public holidays rights for employees- Employment New Zealand