The Maori New Year Begins

With the sighting of Matariki in the New Zealand skies, the Maori new year begins.

In the Auckland region, the Maori new year is being celebrated from June 24 to July 24 with a program of events showcasing Maori culture.

At the Te Papa national museum in Wellington, the Matariki Festival is being held f rom June 25 to July 12.

• What Is Matariki?
• What Is a Hangi?
• What Is a Hongi?
• What Is the Haka?

Photo: The Pleiades, known in New Zealand as Matariki, courtesy NASA