On 24 June, Aotearoa New Zealand will enjoy a new national holiday to mark Matariki – Te Tau Hou Māori, or the Māori New Year.

Marking the passing of the old year and the beginning of the New Year, Matariki is a time for reflection, renewal and celebration. According to the Māori lunar calendar, it begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster (the Pleiades or Seven Sisters).

An artwork entitled ‘Matariki’, by Māori artist Shane Hansen, is on display in the Council Room at RANZCOG’s head office Djeembana.