Matariki is one step closer to being recognised as a public holiday.
Matariki star cluster from southern hemisphere Photo: NASA
Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Bill passed its first reading in Parliament this afternoon.
The first Matariki public holiday will be 24 June next year, but the day will shift each year according to when the star cluster rises.
It is, however, expected to always fall on a Monday or Friday.
Labour, Te Paati Māori and Greens supported the bill, while National and Act opposed it.
