Matariki

We have a new public holiday in our calendar here in New Zealand.
Today is the first time it has been recognised.

Matariki
It is the Maori name for a cluster of stars that rise in midwinter, and it heralds the start of the Maori New Year.
It is a time for remembering the past, celebrating the present and looking forward to the future.
It also is a time to acknowledge those who have passed and to release their spirits to become stars.

It is a very significant and spiritual time in the Maori calendar and it has been interesting to learn about it.