Puanga and Matariki celebrations to mark the Māori New Year

Saturday 14 June 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Sat 14 Jun 2025, 5:00am

The Māori New Year has begun as the Matariki star cluster becomes visible. This year's theme, Matariki mā Puanga, holds particular significance for the Whanganui and Ruapehu regions. For Kāi Tahu, following the signs of the rising cluster has been a generational practice.

How they headlined it

5am

1. NZ HeraldSat 14 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Matariki 2025: Whanganui and Ruapehu to feature on national stage in Puanga celebrations (opens in new tab)

2. The PressSat 14 Jun 2025, 5:00am

   Kāi Tahu memories: Matariki a seasonal cycle, not just a cluster (opens in new tab)