Listen Now: 
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says a vote of thanks is due to those tohunga who have shared their knowledge of Matariki with the country.
Download AudioRace Relations Commissioner Meng Foon says a vote of thanks is due to those tohunga who have shared their knowledge of Matariki with the country.
He’s pleased to see how people throughout Aotearoa embraced the first public holiday – including many who had initially been disparaging.
“It is an acknowledgement of the value of Māori concepts and Māori values and Māori whakapapa, the histories and the stories that go because Matariki in terms of Māoridom is a guide for the coming year,” Mr Foon says.
Meng Foon says Marariki is not a day but a season, so people have time to get into the spirit.
