Māpuna for Saturday 25 June 2022

Mapuna reflects on Matariki's debut as a public holiday

After 18 months of preparation yesterday Matariki was launched as a public holiday for the first time. Mapuna's presenter Julian Wilcox and RNZ National's Maori News Director Mani Dunlop co-hosted five hours of live coverage from Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington. It includes the Hautapu ceremony starting just before sunrise, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's speech and the reflections of Maori astronomer Dr Rangi, one of the most influential figures behind Matariki's emergence as a national holiday. You'll also hear highlights from panel discussions and feedback from RNZ's listeners on the day. 

The team at RNZ celebrate Matariki in the studio. Photo: RNZ