Category : News
Author: Tia McDougall

The Government has announced the recommended dates for the Matariki public holiday for the next 30 years, in the hope it will give communities and businesses more certainty.

As promised prior to their re-election last October, a stand-alone bill formally establishing the new public holiday will be introduced to Parliament later this year. People will have the opportunity to provide their feedback during the select committee process.

The Government has announced the recommended dates for the Matariki public holiday for the next 30 years, in the hope it will give communities and businesses more certainty.

New Zealand will celebrate Matariki as a public holiday for the first time on June 24, 2022 / Hune 24, 2022. 

The date will change to align with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and will shift annually between June/Hune or July/Hūrae, but always falling on a Friday/Rāmere.

Acting Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage Peeni Henare says Matariki will be the first public holiday that recognizes Te Ao Māori.

"[Matariki] is uniquely New Zealand… Matariki is more than just a public holiday. Our celebration of the new public holiday will be informed by key values such as unity, sharing, feasting, coming together, and environmental awareness," he says.

"The Matariki Advisory Group, recognised experts in Te Ao Māori and the mātauranga associated with Matariki and the Maramataka, have led this process, providing advice and engaging with communities across Aotearoa. We are grateful for their guidance."

Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood says there are also benefits to having an extra long weekend.

"The Matariki public holiday will always fall on a Friday, which will help more Kiwis take mid-winter getaways and support the tourism sector's economic recovery," he says.

Article: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2021/07/government-announces-matariki-public-holiday-dates-for-next-30-years.html
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