Willie Jackson, Minister for Mori Development, and Te Arawhiti Kelvin Davis, Minister for Mori Crown Relations, announced today that the first Matariki public holiday will be marked by a pre-dawn hautapu ceremony at Te Papa Tongarewa, which will be broadcast live by all major broadcasters in Aoteaora/New Zealand.
The Celebrate Matariki – Mnawatia a Matariki broadcast, hosted by Stacey Morrison and Mtai Smith, will provide insights into the significance of Matariki through waiata, kapa haka, music, panel discussions moderated by Moana Maniapoto, John Campbell, and Julian Wilcox, and an address from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
With support from Te Māngai Pāho and NZ On Air, the Celebrate Matariki broadcast will be available on Whakaata Māori and Māori+, TVNZ One and TVNZ+, THREE, RNZ, Prime, Iwi Radio via Whare Kōrero, Stuff, Pasifika TV and the national Matariki website, matariki.net.nz.
“This broadcast is the first of its kind. Never before has every network simulcast a programme on a scale like this. Our broadcasters and digital platforms are to be congratulated for collaborating to support this important kaupapa.
“It is significant that Matariki has been the catalyst to inspire this collaboration between not only our public broadcasters but the comercial networks as well,” Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson says.
The panel discussions will focus on Matariki’s themes. Reflecting on the previous year and remembering those who have passed away; appreciating the present and what we have; and turning to the future – focusing and planning for the coming year.
“All across the country, communities and whānau are celebrating Matariki. In these challenging times this unique broadcast is an opportunity for all of Aotearoa to learn a little about Matariki, celebrate the rise of the new year and engage in mātauranga Māori,” Minister for Māori Crown Relations Te Arawhiti Kelvin Davis said.
On Friday, June 24, the program will begin at 6:00 a.m. You can watch or listen to the program by tuning in to your preferred channel.