King Charles III has sent a message to New Zealand for the Māori New Year, which was celebrated on Friday.

The Aronui Indigenous Arts Festival hosted the first ever matauranga Māori story told with 160 drones over the Rotorua Lake Thursday and Friday nights.

Members of Ngāi Tahu are reflecting on the revival of karakia and te reo - which was on full display at the national Matariki commemorations.

Matariki commemorations began before dawn around the country with the national observance held at Treble Cone near Wānaka.

The Broncos are proud to reveal a special, modified jersey to honour Matariki as the squad arrives across the Tasman for Saturday’s clash against the Warriors.

People joining Matariki celebrations in Ōtepoti Dunedin and Kā-Muriwai Arrowtown will be able to catch public buses to festivities over the long weekend.

Matariki celebrations kicked off this weekend as hapori gathered in Pukekohe for this year’s festival launch.

Preparations for the national Matariki celebrations are well underway, but the architect of the public holiday, Dr Rangi Mātāmua, has other commitments. He has traveled to Tahiti, where there is an appetite for more Matariki magic in the Pacific.

Matariki is a time for remembrance, celebrating the present and looking to the future. It’s also become a time for festivals and events, as we embrace the uniquely Aotearoa celebration. Here’s a taste of what’s happening around the country.