ActionStation finds strong Matariki support

Action Station say there is broad public support for a public holiday marking the Māori new year.

Labour has promised to introduce a Matariki holiday in 2022 if reelected.

The online advocacy group delivered a 34,000-signature petition to Rongotai MP Paul Eagle in July calling for the holiday.

Director Laura O’Connell Rapira says it followed up with polling.

"Sixty four percent of New Zealanders support Matariki becoming a public holiday and it has especially strong support among Asian New Zealanders who also observe a lunar clendar, young people and Māori of course so I think there is more support for matariki than the narrative that is being pushed by big businesses who don't want to pay for another public holiday," she says.

Laura O’Connell Rapira says funding should be made available to hapū, iwi and kaupapa Māori organisations to help people understand Matariki and its meaning.

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