Holiday for Maori New Year proposed

Matariki - the Maori New Year - could replace the Queen's birthday as a national holiday, says the head of the Maori Language Commission.

Chief executive Haami Piripi said the commission had not passed a resolution but he believed it was time to consider a change.

The appearance of the Matariki star cluster, also known as the Pleiades, in late May heralds the Maori New Year.