His Majesty King Charles III has marked Matariki 2026 with a special message recognising the significance of the Māori New Year and encouraging people across Aotearoa to come together in reflection, learning and celebration.
Released as Matariki begins, the King’s message acknowledges the annual reappearance of the Matariki star cluster as a time that connects people with the natural world and with one another across cultures and communities.
The King notes that while Matariki is known by different names to Indigenous peoples around the world, the stars serve as a reminder that the environment is a shared thread linking humanity beyond borders and traditions.
Reflecting this year’s official theme, Matariki herenga waka – Mō te katoa (For everyone), the message encourages all New Zealanders to embrace the spirit of Matariki by gathering together, sharing knowledge and celebrating the Māori New Year as one community.
The King also recognises the deeper meaning of the season, describing Matariki as a time for remembrance, reflection, reconnection and celebration, while extending warm wishes on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla to the people of Aotearoa.
The message concludes with the whakataukī:
Ka mahuta a Matariki i te pae, ka tukuna ō tātou tūmanako ki te tau hou — When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead.
“E mihi ana ki Te Kāhui o Matariki
The message was issued in both English and te reo Māori, continuing a growing tradition of recognising the importance of Matariki as a national occasion that honours te ao Māori while bringing together people from all backgrounds.
Since becoming a public holiday in 2022, Matariki has grown into one of Aotearoa’s most significant annual observances, with communities across the country gathering to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and look ahead with hope and purpose.
The King’s recognition adds to a growing number of international acknowledgements of Matariki and reflects the increasing global appreciation of Māori culture, language and traditions.
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