Sky Tower lights up to celebrate Matariki

From 14 June until 14 July, Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower will light up the night sky in celebration of Matariki. The Maori New Year celebrations will begin across New Zealand on 14 June with a dawn karakia marking the arrival of the first moon after the rising of the star cluster Matariki.

The Sky Tower will be lit red (the top) and blue (the base of the tower); the official colours of the celebrations. Events are being held all across Auckland such as tree plantings and concerts. Matariki is a special time for all New Zealanders to share, a time to come together and celebrate our unique Maori heritage, nature, creativity and expression.

Matariki has two meanings, both referring to a tiny constellation of stars; Mata Riki (Tiny Eyes) and Mata Ariki (Eyes of God). Traditionally, depending on the visibility of Matariki, the coming season's crop was thought to be determined. The brighter the stars indicated the warmer the season would be and thus a more productive crop. It was also seen as an important time for family to gather and reflect on the past and the future. Today Matariki means celebrating the unique place in which we live and giving respect to the land we live on.