ahead of first public holiday
This year, a new multi-day festival is being launched in the Mackenzie region, aiming to draw visitors to the hard hit district and celebrate Māori New Year.
It was one of two Matariki festivals to receive government backing with hopes they would become internationally significant in time.
Matariki remained a time for celebration, remembrance, growth and renewal.
Kāi tahu astronomer Victoria Campbell said all New Zealanders could benefit from and engage with Matariki.
"This is a really important time in our history where Māori, where iwi are being recognised for our matauranga - our knowledge - and our value systems and practices associated with that knowledge."
It has been two, long, hard years without international tourists, but the Mackenzie region was optimistic about its future as it prepared to launch Matariki Mackenzie this Friday.
Link to article: Tourism operators draw on Matariki values ahead of first public holiday | RNZ News
