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National | Matariki

How-to guide: celebrating Matariki

By Vaimaila Leatinu’u Te Rito Journalism Cadet

Māori astronomer Professor Rangi Matamua says people celebrating Matariki should remember its core values and he hopes that the new public holiday doesn't encourage a binge-drinking tradition.

"I hope it doesn't turn into St Patrick's Day and become an excuse for people to get drunk. However, I think we need to be careful with telling people what they can and can't do; if people enjoy a wine or a beer and that's part of their celebration, I have no issue with that," Matamua told the NZ Herald.

With recent discussions over Matariki being commercialised, there was concern Aotearoa would forget its true meaning, Matamua said. He chairs the Matariki Advisory Group, which has provided advice to the Government on the formation of New Zealand's newest public holiday.

"I do hope that the focus will be on celebrating it in a family-orientated, healthy way. I hope that becomes the norm."

University of Auckland associate business professor Mike Lee has been critical about the commercialisation of Matariki. He cites St Patrick's Day, which descended from celebrating Irish culture to a holiday focused on getting drunk.

He hopes Matariki will be different and the focus will be reflecting and connecting and not about getting drunk and "doing a haka in the mall".

"What we can be sure of is that when you give people a holiday, alcohol will be involved. Whether it'll be a full-blown St Patrick's Day or not, we'll just have to wait and see," Lee said.

Vinnie Pivac, director of Zane Grey's Restaurant and Bar in Paihia, said to avoid Matariki becoming a holiday known for binge drinking, then the focus needed to be on whānau.

"As long as the organisers keep it family orientated and cultural, I don't think alcohol will come into it too much."

Public Interest Journalism