Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars also known as the Pleiades. It rises in midwinter and for many Māori, it heralds the start of a new year. Iwi across New Zealand understand and celebrate Matariki in different ways and at different times.
Matariki, or Māori New Year, celebrations were once popular, but had largely stopped by the 1940s. In the 2000s, they were revived. Now, thousands of people take part in events to honour the beginning of the Māori New Year, and in whānau celebrations to remember those who have died and to plan for the year ahead. From 2022, a public holiday marking Matariki will be held on a Friday in June or July each year.
For 2024 Matariki public holiday is Today (Friday 28 June).
As it is cold in the evening and high risk of clouds, I thought an event in the day time to see the art installation on Ross Creek. The star artwork includes the Matariki stars.