More than just a day off: PM

WAITANGI: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the new Matariki public holiday is more than just a day off, but an opportunity to learn about history, and Maori tradition.

Ms Ardern yesterday announced June 24 as the date of the first Matariki public holiday.

She said said the holiday and teaching New Zealand history in schools were foundational changes, and would be the ones she was most proud of at the end of her time in her job.

Matariki is a cluster of stars which usually rises in June or July in the middle of winter and represents the beginning of a new year according to the Maori lunar calendar, known as Maramataka.

The holiday date is set to change every year. — The New Zealand Herald