Matariki 2025

The story so far

The Māori New Year began as the Matariki star cluster became visible, with this year's theme being Matariki mā Puanga, which holds particular significance for the Whanganui and Ruapehu regions.^{14, 17 Jun 2025} Matariki is a public holiday that celebrates the Māori New Year through gathering and honouring the dead; it first became official in 2022 and fell on Friday 20 June this year.^{16, 19 Jun 2025} Puanga, a bright star associated with weather and food, rises alongside Matariki before sunrise, and the theme recognises regional differences in marking the occasion.^{17, 19 Jun 2025} Forecasters expected heavy rain and thunderstorms in western parts of the country and cloud cover, though early mornings and the East Coast offered the best chances to see the stars.^{19, 20 Jun 2025} Events included a live broadcast from Tirorangi Marae in Ohakune, a national hautapu ceremony hosted by Ngāti Rangi, and a message from King Charles III to New Zealand.^{19 Jun 2025}

Latest

On the holiday itself, people across the country gathered to watch the cluster rise, with a hautapu ceremony on Mauao drawing over 400 people.^{20 Jun 2025} About 800 people gathered at Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin, and a two-kilometre light and sound trail by Māori artists was on display in Auckland's CBD.^{21 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 14 Jun 2025Māori New Year begins as the Matariki star cluster becomes visible.
2. 16 Jun 2025Matariki public holiday confirmed for Friday 20 June.
3. 19 Jun 2025Forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms for western regions, with cloud cover expected.
4. 19 Jun 2025King Charles III issues a Matariki message to New Zealand.
5. 20 Jun 2025East Coast regions forecast to have the clearest skies for viewing.
6. 20 Jun 2025Hautapu ceremony on Mauao attracts over 400 people.
7. 21 Jun 2025About 800 people gather at Tūhura Otago Museum in Dunedin.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.