Matariki in pictures: New Zealanders gather to celebrate

12:44 pm on 28 June 2024
Sunrise over Lake Wānaka.

Sunrise over Lake Wānaka. Photo: Pokere Paewai/RNZ

Matariki commemorations began before dawn around the country this morning with the national observance held at Treble Cone near Wānaka this morning.

Hosted by Ngāi Tahu, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was among those who attended.

The holiday has been celebrated with karakia and hautapu ceremony.

The umu is lit as final preparations for the hautapu ceremony are underway at Treble Cone. The weather over Wānaka is cloudy but Dr Rangi Mātāmua says if it doesn't clear he will superimpose the stars in post.

Dr Rangi Mātāmua alongside umu preparations at Treble Cone. Photo: Pokere Paewai/RNZ

Spectacular sunrise over Wānaka from Treble Cone.

The sun rises over Lake Wānaka. Photo: Pokere Paewai/RNZ

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson speaking to Mihingarangi Forbes and Justine Murray.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Green Party Co-Leader Marama Davidson speaking to RNZ's Mihingarangi Forbes and Justine Murray. Photo: Pokere Paewai/RNZ

Matariki - Te Puia

Umu preparations at Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua. Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Hautapu ceremony at Te Puia New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rotorua. Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Photo: Graeme Murray

Matariki - Te Puia

Photo: Graeme Murray

Bus loads of hungry Aucklanders are arriving at Tamaki Makaurau's Takaparawhau, Bastion Point, for an early morning hautapu organized by Ngati Whatua Orakei.

Umu preparations at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point, for an early morning hautapu organized by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Photo: Tu Natanahira/RNZ

Steam from the umu at Takaparawhau have risen upward towards the stars, as Kai is lifted from the ground.

Photo: Tu Natanahira/RNZ

Matariki Hautapu 2024 Wānaka

Matariki Hautapu 2024 Wānaka Photo: Richie Mills

Matariki Hautapu 2024 Wānaka

Matariki Hautapu 2024 Wānaka Photo: Richie Mills

Matariki Hautapu 2024 Wānaka

Matariki Hautapu 2024 Wānaka Photo: Richie Mills

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