Unity's the theme for this year's Matariki

This the fourth year we've celebrated a public holiday for the rising of the star cluster, marking the Maori new year.

Dawn services, markets, festivals, workshops and much more are taking place across the country.

Chief Advisor for Matariki, Rangi Matamua says this year's theme is Matariki Ma Puanga - Celebrating Together.

He says our regions have variations that make them unique and contribute to our strength as a nation.