A re-elected Jacinda Ardern government would implement New Zealand's first Maori-specific national holiday, for Matariki - the Maori New Year.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has re-booted her election campaign with a crowd-pleasing promise of a new national holiday.
"Matariki will be a distinctly New Zealand holiday and a time for reflection, celebration and to look to the future as we take increasing pride in our unique national identity," Ms Ardern said on Monday. The Maori Party have campaigned for a public holiday for a decade and the Greens, Republican Movement and news outlet Stuff have all pledged support.Previously untaught New Zealand history - including bloody battles between Maori and European settlers - is being made compulsory in schools.Kelvin Davis, Labour's deputy, most senior Maori office holder and tourism minister, said he would be proud to see Matariki become NZ's 12th public holiday.
More recently, councils and organisations have used the occasion to explain its significance and run family-friendly events featuring cultural displays and light shows.
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