New Zealand Marks Matariki in Jakarta with Cultural Show and ASEAN Anniversary Tribute

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The New Zealand Embassy hosted a Matariki celebration to mark the Maori New Year, which is also a public holiday in New Zealand. The event took place on Tuesday evening, June 17, 2025, at Ayana Midplaza in South Jakarta.

"Matariki is an important celebration of Maori cultural and national identity in New Zealand. I am delighted to be able to share this with Indonesia," said New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Phillip Taula.

Taula emphasized that the event also served as a tribute to the enduring relationship between New Zealand and Indonesia. He noted that the two nations share more than just cultural connections—they are partners in achieving mutual goals for security and prosperity.

Matariki, or Ng Mata o te Ariki Twhirimtea, which translates to "the eyes of the god Twhirimtea," refers to the Pleiades star cluster,  a celestial feature held sacred by many cultures across the globe.

In New Zealand, the appearance of Matariki in the pre-dawn winter sky signals the start of the Maori lunar new year, Maramataka. The occasion is seen as a time for honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking ahead to the future.

Indonesia’s Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, commended New Zealand for its strengths in education, cultural richness, and the warmth of its people.

"I see the stars guiding New Zealand and Indonesia towards even stronger collaboration," Tito said in his speech.

The evening featured a captivating performance of traditional Maori songs and dances by the Kapa Haka group Te Whare Karioi, who traveled from New Zealand for the celebration.

The performance also marked the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand dialogue relations.

New Zealand’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Joanna Anderson, highlighted Matariki’s deeper meaning.
"We reflect on the proud and enduring relationship with ASEAN and hope to strengthen this relationship for the next 50 years," said Anderson.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn also extended his congratulations on the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand diplomatic ties.

"This celebration beautifully illustrates the values embodied in Matariki - heritage, interconnectedness, and cooperation - principles that are very much in line with ASEAN," he said.

During the event, the New Zealand Embassy treated guests to a selection of New Zealand’s finest food and beverages, including premium dairy products from Tatua and Anchor, apples from Rockit and Dazzle, as well as high-quality beef and wine.

Te Whare Karioi is also set to host a four-day cultural program in Jakarta, engaging with local children and arts groups, exchanging traditions with the Betawi community, and visiting culturally important sites around the capital.

The New Zealand Embassy worked in collaboration with the Jakarta Provincial Government to bring this authentic cultural experience to the public.

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