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A Matariki public holiday is a great idea but don’t set your clock by it.
That’s the advice from Laura Rapira O’Connell from Action Station, who on Friday delivered a 30,000- signature petition to Rongotai MP Paul Eagle calling for the Māori new year to be marked with a holiday.
She says Matariki is a time to gather with friends and whānau to remember those who have passed, to reflect on the year that has been, and to celebrate new beginnings.
The consensus that emerged during the petition process was the holiday needs to move with the stars and the moon.
"Connecting with the lunar calendar enables us to connect with the taiao, with the elements. We need that as people and I think it's really important for us to be thinking in indigenous ways when we think about time and this is an opportunity for us to do that," she says.
The next step will be for the petition to be referred to a select committee for consideration.
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