Matariki rising

Development of Matariki - or Māori new year - as a uniquely New Zealand national festival has received the support of the New Zealand Māori Tourism Council.

The New Zealand Māori Tourism Council believes that a national festival should be encouraged by supporting regional initiatives that deliver economic and social benefits for communities reinforces New Zealand's national identity and unique global positioning.

"After a period of consultation with community organisations, businesses and individuals from the tail of the fish in the Far North to the stern of the canoe in Southland, the New Zealand Māori Tourism Council has agreed to champion the development of Matariki as NZ's national festival," said CEO Johnny Edmonds.

Star cluster
Matariki is a distinctive cluster of stars that can be seen at some time from most parts of the world. To the rest of the world it's variously known as the Pleiades, Messier 45 and the Seven Sisters.

The star cluster features in many cultures including Greek, Aztec, Mayan, Pawnee, Navaho, Australian Aborigine and Polynesian mythology. The time of the rising of the star cluster has always been a major indicator of the seasonal changes throughout the ancient world.

Cultural facets
There are many educational, social and cultural facets to Matariki. The timing of Matariki's rising in New Zealand skies, associated seasonal changes and Māori celebrations are unique to New Zealand, and provide the opportunity to do and share things that are specific to this country.

Many educational institutions now include aspects of Matariki in their curricula, and Matariki is also used to strengthen communities and reinforce national identity. It's also a valuable addition to tourism opportunities.

"Matariki is now being used as an opportunity to enable visitors to develop a more intimate understanding of who we are as regional communities and as New Zealanders," said Mr Edmonds.

Matariki events
Research work undertaken by the NZ Māori Tourism Council during 2006 found 174 public Matariki events or activities held throughout New Zealand.

While almost all these had Māori content and or support, they were generally organised by three types of organisations - Māori iwi (tribal) organisations, public organisations and business organisations, reiterating the grass roots nature of these celebrations.

Mr Edmonds said the community basis of Matariki was "well established".

Iwi and public organisations such as museums, local authorities and community trusts accounted for almost 70 percent of the Matariki events - the balance of events were organised primarily by businesses in the tourism and creative sectors.

Most widely celebrated events involved art exhibitions, music concerts, cultural performances, food and associated workshops. Approximately half of the events provided opportunity for active public participation. The majority of events were held in the North Island, but there also events in Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

"The great thing about the way that Matariki is developing is that it is growing in a way that fits each region's interest in celebrating their regional distinctiveness," Mr Edmonds said.

Wellington events
For Wellington, Matariki is celebrated through a programme of festivities organised by Te Papa Tongarewa, the Wellington City Council and Carter Observatory.

"Matariki is an event that continues to grow each year," Positively Wellington Tourism CEO Tim Cossar said. "Wellington's strength as a visitor destination is our amazing range of events. We see Matariki becoming an important part of our winter offer, as it develops."