Te Rā Aro ki a Mātariki, the first distinctly New Zealand public holiday, has dawned across Aotearoa for the second year, with communities across the motu taking part in the celebrations.

The second celebration of Matariki as a national public holiday this Friday is being marked by increasing public support for the event, Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Willow-Jean Prime said today.

Fires lit along the Hawke’s Bay coast from Cape Kidnappers to Tāngoio will be a signature Matariki celebration this month. The idea to encourage community-run fires across about 60 kilometres of beach from 5pm on July 15 has the approval of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, councils and iwi.

Matariki is right around the corner but as the country prepares to celebrate the second-ever public holiday, there are questions about whether businesses can too. Since the first Matariki holiday was announced, there were concerns commercialisation could take away from the core values of the holiday. But the man behind Matariki, Rangi Mātāmua, said for businesses wanting to celebrate the new year - it all comes down to intent.

Puanga/Matariki marks a time to reflect on the past, and look forward to the future, and there are lots of ways to celebrate the occasion on the horizon around Taranaki.

Māori new year approaches and the rising of the Matariki star cluster graces the eastern horizon, it is a good time to think about what you and your whānau will be doing to celebrate, and to remember those who have passed away.

It's not the books, the awards, the accolades or the successful push to have Matariki made a public holiday that gives Rangi Mātāmua the most satisfaction.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Auckland Council have released a programme of more than 100 events to celebrate Matariki. The Māori New Year celebrations will take place from July 11 to July 22, spanning 11 days.

Matariki celebrations across Aotearoa will be significantly enhanced with 119 successful applicants for the over $3 million Matariki Ahunga Nui fund.