Should Matariki Become a New Zealand Public Holiday?

By Buchao


It is only in the recent years that Matariki has been becoming known by more and more New Zealand people. Nowadays, people are paying more and more attention to Matariki. Matariki is not only mentioned in people's routine lives, but also described in many books and magazines. This essay is going to outline the Maori history, iwi and culture, and argure that Matariki should become a New Zealand public holiday.
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What is Marariki? Matariki is the Maori name of Pleiades or the Seven Sisters in the Taurus constellation in the sky. Every year, in the last days of May or early June, it rises on the low North-East horizon of New Zealand, just before dawn. It heralds the Maori New Year (Tai Tokerau Tourism (MRTO),page 1).

Some people say that Matariki is only Mario's New Year, and it does not belong to all New Zealanders. They also argue that if Matariki becomes New Zealand's public holiday, then other country's new year, for example, Chinese Spring Festival, can also become New Zealand's public holiday. Firstly, these people have ignored or do not want to accept a fact that in the New Zealand history Maori people were the first people who moved to New Zealand. “The Maori were the first settlers in New Zealand and first came from Polynesia about 1,000 years ago. They occupied almost every area of New Zealand long before Pakeha (European)” (An introduction to the Maori History and Culture, page 1). In Maori language, “Maori” originally meant “local people” (New Zealand in History, page 3). It was only in year 1642 that an European sailor named Tasman found New Zealand, and only after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, British Government declared sovereignty over New Zealand (New Zealand in History, page 2). Secondly, we should show our respect to the first settlers - Maori people. Maori people are very intelligent and brave people. When they first came to New Zealand, their voyage tools were only canoes. In that time, Matariki was their navigator. Thirdly, New Zealand has 11 public holidays, however, none is related to Maori people. Therefore, why not put a memorial stone for Maori people - commemorate Matariki, and let the Matariki become a New Zealand's public holiday?

Some people argue that in New Zealand the Europeans are the most majority, and the European cultures should dominate our society. However, these people do not realize that Maori culture is one of the most important cultural heritages in New Zealand. Firstly, Maori iwi are the largest social units with unique culture background. “They still have a very strong culture of their own with many traditions which flourish today” (An introduction to the Maori History and Culture, page 1). In the ancient society of Maori history, when Matariki rose each year before dawn, Maori New Years began with so many activities related to their own culture. Matariki was celebrated with education, remembrance and the planting, gathering, weaving, carving, signaling new beginnings. Secondly, Matariki has already become a symbol of Maori culture, and more and more New Zealanders are becoming attracted by its unique culture. Broadcaster and documentary-maker Hakaraia (2004) stated that “Matariki is becoming more profiled around the motu [country], and so it should because it is something unique to our country". Therefore, why not let the Maori culture sparkle in New Zealand, just like the Matariki shinning in the sky? The best way to keep Maori culture sparkling is to make the Matariki become a New Zealand public holiday!

In conclusion, today's Matariki does not only mean the ancient Maori activities which were related to harvest, planting, gathering, weaving, carving or remembering their ancestry, but also more significantly mean that all New Zealand people are celebrating the unique place where we live on, and giving respect to the land we live. In the long Maori history, Maori iwi have made great efforts to contribute themselves to this country. Today, we are sharing the unique Maori culture together with Maori people in this multi-cultural country. It is strongly suggested that Matariki should become a New Zealand's public holiday.


References
An Introduction to the Maori History and Culture. (n.d.). Retrieved
May24, 2007, from
http://www.uniquelynz.com/maori_intro.htm


Hakaraia, L. (2004, June 17). New Zealanders rediscover Marori New
Year. New Zealand Herald . Retrieved May 24, 2007, from
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/story.cfm?c_id=350&objectid=3573084

Tai Tokerau Tourism (MRTO), (n.d.), Retrieved May 24, 2007
from
http://www.taitokerau.co.nz/matariki.htm