With the start of the Māori New Year, Governor-General, Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, has issued a Matariki message for all New Zealanders.

Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni.

Matariki celebrates much that is special about Māori culture and New Zealand’s unique place in the world.

Linked to the winter solstice, the time of the longest night and the shortest day, and signalled by the rising of the Pleiades, a cluster of tiny stars, Matariki represents a time for all New Zealanders to celebrate our inimitable heritage and a time to prepare for the future.

It is also a time to take stock of the well-being of our immediate and wider communities. The past year has held a series of traumatic and tragic events on a scale not seen before, which calls for all New Zealanders to show generosity of spirit, extending help to those who have been affected.

As I complete the term in the role of Governor-General in August, with this being the last Matariki message I issue in that regard, it is fitting to acknowledge and praise the wonderful community strength of New Zealand and its people.

We are a nation of talented, creative and resourceful individuals who, together, ensure the success and prosperity of our country. It has been a privilege to see the overwhelmingly positive activities of those communities over the past five years and to witness the country joining as one family in times of adversity.

Matariki whetu ki te Rangi

Tāngata ora ki te Whenua

Pleiades stars in the Sky

People well-being on Earth

As Governor-General of New Zealand I wish everyone a happy and bountiful Matariki.

No reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.

Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO

Governor-General of New Zealand

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