Kiwis gathered in the early morning darkness to celebrate the start of the Māori New Year today, and mark the rising of the Matariki star cluster.
The appearance of Matariki signalled the beginning of the Māori lunar calendar and was a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and look ahead to the future.
The occasion has been observed as a public holiday since 2022, becoming the first national holiday to recognise Te Ao Māori — and the first new public holiday introduced since Waitangi Day.
Your guide to the Matariki star cluster and what the public holiday's all about - watch on TVNZ+
Crowds gathered at events held across the motu, with Auckland iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei hosting this year's national Hautapu dawn ceremony at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point.
Braving the winter chill, people gathered before sunrise for karakia and quiet reflection as the first light broke over the Hauraki Gulf, with clear skies providing a spectacular backdrop to the celebrations.
One visibly emotional attendee told 1News she was "very moved" by the early morning proceedings.
Another one recalled waking up at 3.30am to attend the celebration, describing it as an "awesome chance to celebrate our culture".
Crowds gathered at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point for this year’s national dawn ceremony, hosted by Ngāti Whātua. (Source: 1News)
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was also among those attending the ceremony, describing the event as “very special”.
“It’s such a cool ceremony. I’ve been coming here for a while now, and if you don’t know anything about Matariki it’s a great introduction,” he said.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, Luxon said the occasion brought people together at a "volatile time" when many New Zealanders had faced significant challenges.
“It’s been a challenging time for New Zealanders, but there’s also a chance to remember, to reflect, and to plan and move forward.”
Other parts of the country welcomed Matariki through dawn celebrations this morning.
In Rotorua, Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute (NZMACI) held a Matariki Hautapu Ceremony led by Te Rāngai Kawa – Te Tokotoru a Manawakotokoto.
NZMACI Pou Tuarā Ranginui Rikirangi-Thomas said the pre-dawn ceremony showed a "deep respect for ancestral practices acknowledging the past, present, and future".
“It acknowledges those who have passed, and it allows the opportunity to grieve with an opportunity for closure through Pōhutukawa, it provides an opportunity to be optimistic through Hiwa-i-te Rangi and to be excited about what’s to come," he said.
“Matariki is for everyone to partake, it belongs to Aotearoa and that’s all of us – everyone is welcome”.
In Christchurch, attendees gathered at Ōnuku Rūnanga to witness the unveiling of a new Māori carving, honouring the history of Takapūneke this morning.
A number of celebrations were set to take place in the capital through Friday including a wāhine drag show, new exhibitions at the Toi Aro arts centre and the Matariki Ahi Kā event at the waterfront in the evening.
Earlier, King Charles released a message to commemorate Matariki, saying the star cluter "reminds us that the natural world is a connecting thread that draws us together reaching across boundaries and cultures".
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