Matariki is the only public holiday unique to New Zealand. Here is everything you need to know.
Matariki 2026 is observed as a public holiday on Friday 26 June 2026, creating a three-day long weekend. The date changes each year based on the Maori lunar calendar.
Matariki (Pleiades in Western astronomy) is a star cluster that rises on the north-eastern horizon in mid-winter. Its appearance signals the start of the Maori New Year — a time for reflection, remembrance and celebration.
Matariki's nine named stars each have a domain: Matariki (environment and health), Poehutukawa (those who have passed), Tupuanuku (food from the ground), Tupuarangi (food from the sky), Waiti (freshwater), Waita (saltwater), Waipuna-a-Rangi (rain), Ururangi (winds), and Hiwa-i-te-rangi (aspirations).
Matariki became an official NZ public holiday in 2022 — the first new national holiday in over 40 years, and the only one unique to New Zealand.
Star-gazing events, dawn ceremonies, kapa haka performances, wananga, community feasts and cultural festivals. Major celebrations in Wellington, Auckland, Rotorua and Northland.
2026: 26 June. 2027: 16 July. 2028: 30 June. 2029: 19 June. 2030: 12 July. Dates confirmed annually by Te Kahui o Matariki.
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Open NZ Holiday PlannerYes — Matariki became an annual public holiday in 2022. The date changes each year.
Friday 26 June 2026.
Yes — employees who would normally work that day are entitled to a paid day off or time-and-a-half plus an alternative holiday.
It is the only NZ public holiday based on Maori culture and astronomy — all others follow the Gregorian calendar or commemorate historical events.