Matariki celebrations are in full swing as Kiwis across Aotearoa come together to mark the start of the Māori new year.
Some Kiwis were out and about before the sun came up on Friday morning to witness the Matariki star cluster at dawn celebrations across the motu.
Last year was the first time Aotearoa celebrated Matariki with a public holiday.
Remembrance, celebrating the present and looking to the future are the key themes in celebrating Matariki.
A dawn event was held in the Auckland suburb of Ōrākei, where locals came together to celebrate.
The main event, which was broadcasted across several television stations, including Three, was held from the peak of Mt Ngongotahā in Rotorua, and hosted by Ngāti Whakaue.
Hundreds of people gathered at the peak, where the traditional hautapu ceremony was led by a group of tohunga who sent their karakia up to the Matariki star cluster.
The ceremony began with a remembrance of people who have died, followed by the cooking of kai.
Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage chief executive Leauanae Laulu Mac Leauanae said the kai was to "honour and feed the newly-risen stars".
On the broadcasted event, astronomer and chief ddviser Mātauranga Matariki Dr Rangi Mātāmua, who brought the Matariki public holiday to Aotearoa, said Kiwis are embracing Matariki.
"Because it speaks not only to the best parts of who we are a nation, it's actually connected to where we are in the world."
Laulu Mac Leauanae encouraged Kiwis who didn't watch the ceremony live to watch it online.
"Especially if you're looking for a place to begin your Matariki traditions."
"Matariki is not dictated by how we celebrate it, but why we do it," said Dr Mātāmua.
"It is about remembering the past, celebrating the present and looking to the future."
He added Matariki "is an exciting time" for Aotearoa as "we continue to acknowledge and celebrate our uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand indigeneity as a core part of who we are".
Here's how you could celebrate Matariki:
- Take time to remember loved ones who are no longer with you
- Give thanks for the year that has passed
- Enjoy a Matariki feast together
- Plan for the next year
- Spend time with family and friends
- Write down your wishes for the year
- Plan to grow a garden
