Matariki - the new year - is a time of reflection, acknowledging the past and looking to the future - while also being intrinsically connected to the environment.
It is entrenched in Māori oral history and traditions from since before their ancestors arrived to these shores from te Moana nui a kiwa
Colonisation tried, and eventually failed, to get rid of much of the traditions and knowledge of tangata whenua but with relentless committment and experts dedicating their life to it the reclamation of Matariki - it is now being recognised as a public holiday.
It is the first ever national holiday that is indigenous to Aotearoa that will be marked and celebrated as a country.
As many New Zealanders learn what Matariki is - both Māori and non Māori - our reporters took to the streets up and down the country - to see how people will be spending their day.
Heading to the south to Te Waipounamu - in Christcchurch there will also be a bit of learning going on.
These Tāmaki Makaurau residents are doing a mixture of things with whanau and friends.
Māori News Director Māni Dunlop.
