Wellingtonians embrace Aotearoa's new public holiday
Wellington’s hills became an amphitheatre as the sky above Te Whanganui-a-Tara lit up with fireworks as Matariki was recognised officially for the first time.
Crowds packed the water’s edge for the display on Friday evening following a day of festivities for the Māori New Year, which has become Aotearoa New Zealand’s first indigenous public holiday.The fireworks show went ahead despite Māori astronomers earlier this month warning the
Government fireworks were an inappropriate way to celebrate Matariki, but the advice fell on deaf ears when it came to many local authorities.
Wellington City Council’s fireworks show cost $190,000.
Link to video and article: Matariki: Wellingtonians embrace Aotearoa's new public holiday | Stuff.co.nz
