July 01, 2021
Matariki public holiday dates set
The first Matariki public holiday will be held on Friday, June 24 next year.
The Government has released the dates for the Matariki public holiday for the next thirty years, as recommended by an expert advisory group chaired by Professor Rangiānehu Matamua.
The holiday will shift each year to align with the Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar).
Acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Peeni Henare says the release of the dates will give communities and businesses certainty.
He says Matariki is more than just a public holiday, and the celebration will be informed by key values such as unity, sharing, feasting, coming together, and environmental awareness.
Workplace Safety Minister Michael Wood says the holiday will always fall on a Friday, which will help more New Zealanders take mid-winter getaways and support the tourism sector’s economic recovery.
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