An iwi collective near Wellington is excited the next Matariki will be celebrated with a bang.
The capital's annual fireworks show is being shifted to the Māori New Year, from Guy Fawkes in November.
Taranaki Whanui chairman Wayne Mulligan says it's a fitting tribute.
"It enables the concept of life, the concept of new beginnings to be illustrated. But more importantly, it actually enables families to get together and celebrate."
Around $250,000 will be spent on the city's celebrations during June and July.
Mr Mulligan thinks the fireworks could be complemented with other festivities, and hopes other cities and towns shift their festivities away from Guy Fawkes.
"What's stopping us from creating a major bonfire on our peaks, as is the Māori custom? … Doing things so that our children and our schools are all part of that…
"If other councils want to do it, that's brilliant."
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