Matariki is the start of the Māori New Year Matariki - a time for celebration, remembrance, growth and renewal.
Photo: RNZ/ Asia King
Official celebrations took place across New Zealand today as the nation marked the first public holiday for Matariki.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and other dignitaries attended a ceremony in Wellington.
Ardern said she had been moved several times by people's reaction to making Matariki a public holiday, which she called a historic milestone.
At Te Papa, the hautapu ceremony was led by Sir Pou Temara, who said New Zealanders people would look back and say we came of age today.
Here is a snapshot of some of the events and scenes today.
Photo: RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson
More than 1000 people gathered at Takaparawhau this morning to observe Matariki and welcome the New Year. Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
Photo: RNZ/ Liam Brown
Photo: RNZ/ Asia King
Photo: RNZ / Liam Brown
Photo: RNZ screenshot
Matariki celebrations over the harbour. Photo: Asia King/RNZ
The team at RNZ celebrate Matariki in the studio. Photo: RNZ
Scotty Morrison offers a karakia in the Hautapu Ceremony. Photo: Erica Sinclair Photography
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Rangi Matamua look to the stars. Photo: ERICA SINCLAIR
Tohunga Paraone Gloyne looks to the stars during the hautapu ceremony. Photo: ERICA SINCLAIR
