Hon Paul Goldsmith
Minister for Arts Culture and Heritage
Hon Tama Potaka
Minister for Māori Development

The Government is recognising Matariki at the official ceremony near Ohakune today, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Paul Goldsmith and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka say.

“We are honoured to be guests of Ngāti Rangi for this traditional hautapu ceremony,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“This is the fourth national Matariki broadcast but the first time it has been hosted by a marae, and the first year Puanga is the star of national celebrations.

"Matariki and Puanga are both stars that sit in the night sky together to signal the start of the Māori new year for different iwi.

“We are very fortunate to have this opportunity to witness and share in the Puanga traditions of Ngāti Rangi.

“The theme for this year’s celebration is Matariki mā Puanga, which means celebrating together. I hope that no matter where people are, they get the chance to remember, celebrate and look to the future. Mānawatia a Matariki!”

“For many Iwi, Puanga shines brightest above our communities as we grow the tradition of celebrating together,” Mr Potaka says.

“These Puanga observations signal the year is coming to a close, and inform forecasts for the future. It’s a time to reflect on the past, remembering and giving thanks to those who have passed on before us.

“It’s also a time to reflect on what was achieved over the past year. Along with the rising of Matariki, we welcome the dawn of a new year and plan ahead with ancestral wisdom.”

Notes:

• Ministry for Culture and Heritage research shows 63 per cent of New Zealanders did something to celebrate Matariki last year, up from 60 per cent in 2023.
• This year, more than 2.8 million New Zealanders are expected to participate, and 68 per cent of New Zealanders feel that Matariki's significance is growing each year.

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