Matariki is off to a clear, albeit cold start, as celebrations across the country start to kick off.
While chilly, the lack of clouds ensures optimal Matariki gazing, for those who were awake early enough to welcome in the Māori New Year.
Across the country, celebrations were underway.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon spoke on Mānawatia a Matariki, a broadcast event celebrating national Matariki festivities. The event was held in Kā Papa Toitoi (Treble Cone, Wānaka).
“This morning, as people across the country gather with family and friends, I want to wish everyone a happy and a healthy Matariki,” Luxon said.
He was joined by fellow National politicians Nicola Willis, Paul Goldsmith, Shane Reti, Tama Potaka, Joseph Mooney and Miles Anderson, as well as Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.
“Over the past three years, Matariki has become increasingly prominent in the lives of many New Zealanders,” Luxon said. “Whether it is gathering with friends and families for a shared meal, remembering loved ones who have passed or simply going outside to view and appreciate the Matariki cluster.
“As Matariki becomes embedded in our annual traditions, I look forward to hearing more stories of how Matariki is celebrated in Aotearoa and abroad by all of those who call New Zealand home.”
Luxon acknowledged that Matariki is a time for remembering those who have passed away, and celebrated the new life that would emerge.
“Children born this year will turn 16 in 2040 — the year we celebrate 200 years since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and the bicultural foundations of New Zealand as we know them today was established in law”
Luxon also paid homage to the theme of Matariki: Matariki heri kai, meaning the feast of Matariki.
“We celebrate that we are from a country that produces such high quality food, and I think now is a good opportunity to acknowledge all of those who grow and raise our world-class produce, to recognise the environments we source our food from, and appreciate the abundant food of the land and sea that we have available to us in this country.”
He finished: “Matariki is a time to spend with loved ones, and it can be as elaborate or as simple as just sharing food together, which I will be doing later on with my family as well. Matariki is about enjoying the warmth of company.”
Events and celebrations across the country
Wellington Waterfront will be partaking in celebrations from 7.45pm this evening, featuring performances, art installations and a Kai Court.
Auckland has seen Matariki celebrations since June 11, with the countries’ biggest city offering light installations, weaving classes, pop up music celebrations and more over a 20 day span. Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter and the Waterfront are the best places to be for whānau wanting to be involved.
Dunedin will host a Matariki drone light show, which starts at 6.30pm on Saturday at the University Oval at Logan Park. There will be night market food trucks in the area from 5.30pm. The New Zealand International Science Festival, who is behind the light show said it is the largest show of its kind to date in New Zealand.
Rotorua held a drone light show last night, at Te Puia, and this would be repeated on Friday night.
Also on Friday, Queenstown has a Matariki Celestial Feast at Rosewood Matakauri, with a five-course tasting menu and local astrophysicist and qualified astro-tourism guides.
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora in Christchurch is hosting events until the end of the month, which includes local artists, live performances, and food offerings.
Chef and Māori food storyteller Josh Hunter from Kaitaki preparing four courses for a Matariki feast.
Hordes of families celebrated in the snow, with Whakapapa chief executive Travis Donoghue estimating up to 4000 guests throughout the course of the day.
Happy Valley was open for skiing, snowboarding and lessons.