Poll: Do you agree Matariki or Māori New Year should be a public holiday?
Hi neighbours,
Labour leader Jacinda Ardern has announced Labour will make Matariki New Zealand’s twelth public holiday from 2022 if re-elected.
The new winter public holiday would fall at some point during the Matariki period, with an expectation that it would always happen on either a Monday or a Friday.
The policy announcement follows a series of public campaigns for the Matariki, which acts as the Māori New Year, to be recognised.
The exact timing of Matariki shifts every year as it relates to a star cluster reappearing and has traditionally varied between Iwi.
It would be the first new public holiday since the Third Labour Government made Waitangi Day a public holiday in 1973, although then Prime Minister Norman Kirk called it “New Zealand Day”.
“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,” Ardern said.
She said the struggling tourism sector could use the help of another holiday and noted the “long run” with no public holidays that currently happens between Queen’s Birthday in early June and Labour Day in late October.
“We don’t have many statutory holidays compared to other OECD countries and it would be good to break up the long run through winter,” Ardern said.
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63.8% Yes
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36.2% No
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
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Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78.8% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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21.2% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
accommodation in Wellington
Hi everyone,
I’m moving to Wellington for work and looking for a place from 16 February 2026. I’m 22 and starting a full-time role as a young graduate professional in IT/Data Science in the CBD.
I’m tidy, respectful, quiet, non-smoker, and like keeping my space clean. Outside of work I enjoy music and photography, but I do keep things quiet at home. I don’t have a car, so good bus access or train to the CBD is important.
What I’m after:
-Prefer living alone (studio/bedsit) but open to a quiet flat with other Asians too
- Easy bus access or walking distance to the CBD
- Furnished
- Close to a supermarket
- Long-term
- Budget up to $400/week
- Move in early Jan or early Feb 2026
Just checking if you know any places
Thank you
Regards, Reuben
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