New Zealanders will have their first Matariki holiday on 24 June. The calendar date for the holiday will shift each year to align with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and will always be on a Friday.

Matariki, the star cluster also known as Pleiades, rises in midwinter and marks the start of the Māori New Year.

Some iwi name this time of year Puanga, after a bright star that is above and to the right of the Matariki constellation.

The government says the Matariki advisory group wanted the holiday tied to a long weekend to emphasise its importance as a time when whānau spend time together. When the star cluster rises, many hapū also remember loved ones who have died.

Traditionally, Matariki was used to determine the coming season's crop. A warmer season, and therefore a more productive crop yield, was indicated by how bright the stars were. Matariki provides an ideal opportunity to explore the ways that people pass on and sustain aspects of their culture and heritage.

"Matariki will be our first public holiday that recognises Te Ao Māori and will be one that is uniquely New Zealand," Acting Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Peeni Henare said.

"Matariki is more than just a public holiday. Our celebration of the new public holiday will be informed by key values such as unity, sharing, feasting, coming together, and environmental awareness."