"Year of 'Matariki' will inspire our relations to shine like these stars": PM Modi extends Maori New Year greetings

Addressing the Gala Lunch hosted in his honour by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, PM Modi congratulated the Maori community and said the shared cultural symbolism reflected the deep civilisational connections between the two countries.

PM Modi said, "I extend my heartiest congratulations to all of you on the Maori New Year, Matariki. Just as the star cluster here is named 'Matariki', as you also mentioned, it has been known in India as the 'Kritika' constellation since ancient times. I am confident that this year of 'Matariki' will inspire our relations to shine like these stars."

Matariki is a star cluster that appears in the early morning sky in New Zealand during the mid-winter months.

The star cluster is known globally and can be viewed from different parts of the world at different times of the year. It is among the brightest clusters visible in the sky and contains hundreds of member stars.

Matariki is observed during mid-winter, generally from late May to early July, with dates varying depending on tribal traditions and geographical locations.

In 2026, Matariki falls from July 8 to July 11, marking the reappearance of the constellation. The occasion is observed as a public holiday in New Zealand on Friday, July 10.

Earlier, highlighting that Prime Minister Modi's historic visit coincided with the Maori New Year Matariki, known as Krittika in Indian tradition, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said both nations share the same stars and a common vision for a prosperous future as they elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.

Welcoming PM Modi at a Gala Lunch in Auckland, Prime Minister Luxon highlighted the deep cultural alignment and the unprecedented momentum injected into the bilateral relationship.

"It is fitting that your visit coincides with Matariki, the Maori New Year, which is, of course, a time to remember, to reflect and to look ahead. The same star cluster is known in Indian tradition as Kritika. Though called by different names, we share the same stars, and we share the same hope for prosperity and renewal," Luxon said.

While welcoming PM Modi, Luxon acknowledged the indigenous Maori people, who hold traditional land rights and guardianship over the central Auckland region.

"Can I just acknowledge Ngati Whatua Orakei for their outstanding hosting of Matariki yesterday. But more importantly, can I thank them for their very generous gift of land that established this great city and for their ongoing contributions to Auckland, Tamaki Makaurau. Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi, Ministers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is an absolute pleasure to welcome you all here today," he said.

In 1840, the prominent chief of Ngati Whatua, Apihai Te Kawau, invited Governor William Hobson to establish the capital of the new colony on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour. The tribe provided approximately 3,000 acres of land to the British Crown to start the settlement of Auckland. (ANI)