Matariki
Date varies — set annually by the Matariki Advisory Committee
Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, which rises in the north-eastern sky in mid-winter. Its appearance traditionally signals the Māori New Year — a time for remembrance of those who have passed, celebrating the present, and planning for the future. Matariki became an official public holiday on 24 June 2022, making it the first new public holiday in New Zealand in over 40 years and the first public holiday in the world based on an indigenous celestial calendar. The date varies each year and is set by the Matariki Advisory Committee.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Actual Date | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, 10 July 2026 | Friday, 10 July 2026 |
| 2027 | Friday, 25 June 2027 | Friday, 25 June 2027 |
Legal Basis
When is it observed?
Date varies — set annually by the Matariki Advisory Committee