Kia ora, nga mihi ki a koutou. Greetings to all New Zealanders.
When Matariki kanohi iti, the tiny eyes of Matariki, rise on the North East horizon just before dawn, tracing the path of the rising sun, the Māori New Year celebrations begin.
The Pleiades is a constellation that is well-known throughout the Pacific, and it has acted as an important navigation beacon for ocean voyagers throughout history. It defines where we live in the Southern Hemisphere, connecting us to the wider South Pacific. It signals the transition to a new beginning as we look ahead to Spring and the warmth of Summer.
Matariki is a unique celebration where we can all join together and be thankful for the good things, and also reflect on the difficulties of the past year. It is about learning from the past, and preparing for the future.
As a strong and connected nation of remarkably innovative, positive and passionate people, our strength lies in sharing our knowledge, celebrating our individual and collective achievements, and supporting each other in both the good times and the sad times.
While we have experienced difficult times during the last two years, the resilient spirit of all New Zealanders has been the pou that has and will continue to support our recovery.
Matariki whetu ki te Rangi
Tāngata ora ki te Whenua
Pleiades stars in the Sky
People well-being on Earth
As Governor-General of New Zealand, I hope you all enjoy celebrating this unique event in the calendar of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM QSO
Governor-General of New Zealand