Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the inaugural Matariki public holiday would take place on Friday, June 24, 2022, as advised by the government’s Matariki Advisory Group. She emphasized that the holiday’s timing would vary annually but would consistently fall on a Monday or Friday, coinciding with the rising of Matariki, symbolizing the Māori New Year.
MATARIKI ADVISORY CHAIR EXCITED (NEW ZEALAND HERALD)
A new public holiday celebrating Māori New Year, Matariki, was unveiled, signaling a pivotal moment for recognizing te ao Māori. Matariki, a cluster of stars signifying the commencement of the Māori lunar calendar, typically appears in June or July, marking the start of a new year.
ARDERN’S MATARIKI MASTERSTROKE (RADIO NEW ZEALAND)
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern strategically kicked off Labour’s policy agenda by promising a Matariki public holiday if re-elected. Her decision garnered praise for acknowledging the significance of the Māori New Year, reflecting the widespread support for public holidays and making opposition to the proposal challenging.
CALLS FOR MATARIKI TO BE A NEW PUBLIC HOLIDAY (RADIO NEW ZEALAND)
The possibility of introducing another public holiday, particularly one celebrating Matariki, has sparked discussions. With previous holiday periods like Easter and Anzac Day disrupted by lockdowns, some in the tourism industry advocate for an additional public holiday to compensate for lost revenue.
NEWS AT A GLANCE (NEW MARAMATAKA ONLINE COURSE 2021)
Acknowledgments to Te Puni Kokiri and the MacDiarmid Institute of Nanotechnology & Materials for their support in launching the new online Maramataka wānanga series, catering to both emerging and established practitioners.
NGĀ TAKAHURINGA O TE AO 2017
Gratitude to the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund for backing Ngā Takahuringa O Te Ao – The Effect of Climate Change on Traditional Calendars.
MARSDEN FUND AWARD 2016
Congratulations to Professor Rangi Matamua, a SMART member, for receiving the esteemed Marsden Fund: Te Mauria Whiritoi – The Sky as a Cultural Resource.
NEW COLLABORATION FOR SMART 2014-2016
SMART embarks on a collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington, supported by the Ministry of Business Placement Scheme Fund, Innovation & Employment, and the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, for an innovative Maramataka initiative.