Record numbers have attended Matariki events since it became a national holiday, according to festival organisers.

Bay of Plenty Matariki Festival organiser Jackie Sanders says she is expecting the largest turnout yet for the event and has had to add more dates for sold-out events.

She says more than 10,000 people attended the festival's events throughout the region in 2023.

Auckland Council Matariki Festival lead Melz Huata-Lucas (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tahu) says the festival has grown as public awareness had increased.

Matariki became an official public holiday in 2021, fulfilling a pre-election promise made by the-then Labour government.

Melz estimates more than 200,000 people had attended Matariki events in the city centre alone each year since.

"It is continuing to grow and definitely being noticed by staff on the ground."

On Saturday, a pre-dawn ceremony on Pukekohekohe Hill marked the start of Auckland's Matariki Festival.

Ngāti Tamaoho, which is the festival's iwi partner for the next three years, led a karakia and pōwhiri at Ngā Hau e Whā Marae.

Melz says more people are starting to get excited about Matariki and understand what it was about.

"Māori have always celebrated Matariki as the start to the new year. It is a time to reflect on the year that has gone by and the people who have passed."

She says people were also learning about Matariki from their children.

"In schools, they are learning about what the stars represent and they can bring that home to their families."

Melz says organisers had been able to expand the Auckland festival to more than 90 Matariki events taking place across the city, many of which are free.

She encourages people to check what events are happening in their area and establish traditions with their families.

This year, the Auckland Matariki Festival runs from June 15-30,  while the Matariki public holiday falls on June 28.

Jessica Hopkins/RNZ