should it be a holiday?

Matariki – Should it be a holiday?

June 11, 2019

Have you learned about Matariki at school lately? Matariki is the seven stars. They live in the sky

Traditionally Matariki was celebrated by gathering with whanau and reflecting on the past. The
connection to the stars provided an opportunity for families to remember their whakapapa and those
ancestors who had passed away to the heavens. Offerings were made to land-based gods who would
help provide good crops, and new trees were planted to signal new beginnings. Many of these celebrations
are still practiced today, however, there are many new ways also. Most celebrations focus on music, song,
dance, food, and family. To me, it seems that Matariki is an amazing opportunity for Maori to share their
stories and culture with the wider community, and I would love to see more events and activities planned
throughout the country to share and celebrate Matariki.

We could celebrate this important day so much better. Personally, I see it as a big mistake
that the NZ Government did not pass a bill in 2009 that proposed a public holiday to mark
Matariki. The bill suggested Matariki be recognized as a national holiday, but was rejected in
Parliament, which is a shame for such a worthy issue. Matariki is an opportunity for us to have
a unique and somewhat home-grown holiday. It would provide an opportunity for an increase
in awareness surrounding Matariki, with people celebrating up and down the country.

Our country was built upon the Maori people and their culture, it seems unfair that we do not
recognize the very beginning of their New Year with more significance. Matariki is falling in
a week this year, on the 25th of June. You have just enough time to prepare a feast, prepare
a party, even just prepare a moment of joy and respect. That’s what Kiwi Kids do.  

Critical Thinking Questions:

• Why is Matariki particularly important for our NZ Nation?
• Māori used Matariki as a signal for when to plant their crops after the long winter
• . If the stars were clear and bright, it was a sign 
• Should we all celebrate, just those who choose to, or just Maori people?
• I think everybody should celebrate Matariki because it is special. 
• How long has Matariki been celebrated for?
• Some celebrations are started when Matariki is first seen.

Practical thinking Questions:

• Go back and look at your calendar/camera roll and see what you were doing on 15th June
• last year. Were you celebrating Matariki? Either way, make sure to book it in for this year!
• Well, we were doing nothing on the 15th of June last year but I wish we did.
• Think of an awesome way Matariki could be celebrated at school?
• well this Friday we are going to do a rotation with art and other cool things
• Do you think we should have a public holiday for Matariki? If so, get out there and
• write a letter/give a call to your Local MP explaining why!