Stars turnout for Matariki

The stage is set for a nation-wide celebration of Matariki, throughout the month of June.

All around New Zealand there are activities surrounding the first showing, each June, of the stars that make up Mata-ariki – the Eyes of God.

In the early morning of 2 June, the cluster Matariki better known to many as Pleiades will appear in our dawn skies.

The Māori New Year begins with the first new moon after the first appearance of Matariki.

Festivities will differ from iwi to iwi, but Matariki is a rich and meaningful celebration marking the beginning of the plentiful season. It is a time for feasting, entertainment and ceremony, and the weeks of Matariki focus on giving respect to the source of life.

As the natural world regenerates, and the cycle of the season begins, Matariki is traditionally a time to pause and reflect on the year that was, and the year that will be.

Matariki is a name that is common to us all, not just to Māori, but also to all our Pacific neighbours as far away as Hawaii and Tahiti. So as we come together to celebrate our new year, we also celebrate our cultural heritage with all people of this region.

Matariki not only symbolises new beginnings but also newfound opportunity. This event is a significant tourism opportunity through the promotion of Māori culture to the world.

It’s an opportunity to draw our communities together too not only celebrate Māori culture, but also to allow all cultures to experience and immerse themselves in the richness of who we are and what makes us proud to be Māori.

It is my hope that celebrations like these will sow the seeds of greater understanding towards the many cultures that live in this wonderful place, but also learning to respect everyone’s unique identity, as well as their proud identity as a New Zealander.

In just over two years, Māori tourism has brought together Māori and the business community to put in place over 50 separate Matariki events in the Tai Tokerau rohe alone in June 2005. I am proud to say that this is New Zealand’s most comprehensive community-based Matariki festival in the country.

I would encourage all our regions with their unique story to tell, to support and grow this great event.

The indigenous culture of our country gives New Zealand a unique point of difference in the international market. We know this because our international target market is interested in Māori culture, and an event like this can only add to the ways they can experience that culture.

There is tremendous potential in Matariki as an international tourism opportunity for this country.

With increased co-ordination of events by our local communities and the tourism industry, this could offer a point of interest for visitors during a quiet time for tourism in New Zealand. There are many opportunities to grow Māori tourism potential as a result of Matariki.

In the spirit of Matariki, I wish you all a ‘Happy Maori New Year’

- Hon Dover Samuel's,
Asscociate Minister of Tourism