If we are going to have an extra public holiday this year, then there could be no way more perfect than to celebrate Matariki.
The symbolism of celebrating the end of the Covid-19 lockdown alongside the Māori New Year is simply incredible.
And to make it even better, with Matariki starting on Monday July 13, it would create a long weekend.
The idea of a one-off public day has come up as a way of giving domestic tourism a post-lockdown boost.
The Prime Minister isn’t ruling out the extra day, and surely she can see that this should happen when the star of Matariki reappears in the dawn sky - a new beginning.
Jeremy Corbett and The Project have been pumping the idea of a 'GOOT' (Get Out Of Town) day.
It is a brilliant concept. An extra day off, where Kiwis get out of town and support the tourism industry.
The numbers back this up: the Tourism Industry Association say some operators make 200-300 percent more when they have a long weekend.
July 13 is just far enough away for people to get organised for an extra break. The school holidays are on and the ski-fields are open.
I believe Kiwis would really get into the spirit of it.
We celebrate the rising of the star, the Māori New Year, the end of the lockdown - and help our tourism industry.
Some employers may baulk at the idea, and I know many have felt pain already.
I believe the benefit of flushing cash far and wide and the psychological boost to workers and employers themselves win out the cost-benefit analysis on this one.
We should also consider subsidising some employers over and above the wage subsidy if it is really needed to make this work.
I personally believe that Matariki should be a public holiday every year.
Hopefully, this year is just the start.
