Communities plan for Maori New Year

Communities in the Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara are preparing to celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, on June 19.

Timing of the New Year coincides with the appearance of the star constellation Pleiades, or Matariki, and the subsequent sighting of the new moon.

Tai Tokerau Tourism, supported by tourism organisation Destination Northland, is promoting a range of festival activities over five weeks in the hope of encouraging visitors during the normally quiet off-season.