Jacinda Ardern has announced that if voted in, Labour would make Matariki a public holiday. 

Matariki signals the Māori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster during mid-winter. If made into a public holiday, it would mean New Zealand would have 12 public holidays and it would break up the winter period.

Labour Party deputy leader Kelvin Davis said a Matariki public holiday would help the domestic tourism and hospitality sector.

"As New Zealanders plan mid-winter getaways and will also allow the tourism industry to market Matariki globally to international travellers as a uniquely New Zealand winter experience in years to come."

Other politicians have spoken out about their disagreement with the policy, saying that in the Covid economic climate, another public holiday would put a strain on employers and small businesses.

Rodney locals have voiced their opinions on Matariki as a public holiday, calling it “a more relevant holiday for Kiwis.” “If people actually used the day for what Matariki encompasses, whanau, kai, celebrating the new year together, then it could become a day that is looked forward too and appreciated by families each year.”

Others saw the importance of celebrating what is important to the Maori culture of New Zealand, but suggested that instead of creating another holiday, Matariki could replace an already existing holiday, such as Queen’s Birthday weekend.