As Aotearoa prepares to mark its first Matariki long weekend, tourism operators are hoping it's a sign of more prosperity to come.
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's one of two Matariki festivals to receive government backing with hopes they will become internationally significant in time.
Tourism reporter Tess Brunton has more.
