Auckland Scoop report

A kite flies over the Auckland City’s lights before dawn.
Photo: Candy Elsmore

A 6am karakia on top of One Tree Hill this morning marked the beginning of Matariki, or Maori New Year.

Mayor Len Brown on the summit of Maungakiekie after the dawn service to mark the start of Matariki. Photo: Cr Cathy Casey

Mayor Len Brown and local iwi attended the service, as well as members of the public.

“Today is a special day…Matariki just gets bigger every year. It was great to see so many people up on Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill),” says the Mayor.

A month of celebrations begins later today, featuring concerts, traditional celebrations and family events.

Matariki is the Maori name for the group of stars The Seven Sisters and the event is marked yearly with the sightning of the new moon and the rise of the stars.

Historically the coming season’s crops was determined by Matariki, but today it is celebrated with remembrance and new  trees are planted to signal new beginnings.

Flame in the dawn light at the summit of Maungakiekie. Photo: Cr Cathy Casey

Mayor Len Brown is interviewed by TV3 after the ceremony. Photo: Cr Cathy Casey

Kite flown at the Matariki ceremony. Photo: Cr Cathy Casey