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auckland [न्यूजीलैंड]July 11 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (local time) greeted the Maori community on the occasion of Matariki, the Maori New Year. He emphasized a cultural connection between the Matariki constellation of New Zealand and the ancient 'Krittika' constellation of India. Addressing a gala lunch hosted in his honor by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Auckland, PM Modi congratulated the Maori community and said this shared cultural symbol reflects the deep civilizational ties between the two countries.

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

What is Matariki?

Matariki is a star cluster visible in the early morning sky during the mid-winter months in New Zealand. This star cluster is known globally and can be seen from different parts of the world at different times of the year. It is one of the brightest clusters visible in the sky and contains hundreds of member stars.

Matariki is celebrated in the middle of winter, typically from late May to early July, with dates varying depending on tribal traditions and geographic locations. In 2026, Matariki is from July 8 to July 11, marking the reappearance of the constellation. To mark this occasion, Friday, 10 July is a public holiday in New Zealand.

'We share the same stars': New Zealand PM

Earlier, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon highlighted that Prime Minister Modi's historic visit coincides with the Maori New Year Matariki, known as Krittika in Indian tradition. He said both nations share the same stars and have a common vision for a prosperous future as they have elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

Welcoming PM Modi at a gala lunch in Auckland, Prime Minister Lakson highlighted the deep cultural connect and the unprecedented momentum in bilateral relations. Luxon said, "It is fitting that your visit coincides with Matariki, the Māori New Year, which is certainly a time to remember, reflect, and look forward. This same star cluster is known in the Indian tradition as Krittika. Although called by different names, we share the same stars, and we share the same hope for prosperity and renewal."

The founding of Auckland and the contribution of the Māori community

Welcoming PM Modi, Lakson acknowledged the indigenous Maori people, who hold traditional land rights and protection over the central Auckland region. He said, "Can I thank 'Nati Whatua Orakei' for their wonderful hospitality to Matariki yesterday. But more importantly, can I thank them for their very generous gift of the land that founded this great city and for their continued contribution to Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Ministers, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a great pleasure to welcome you all here today."

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