Children listen to Maori stories during a celebration event of the Maori New Year in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

A girl in traditional Maori attire lights the ceremonial fire during a celebration event of the Maori New Year in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

People perform traditional Maori songs and dances during a celebration event of the Maori New Year in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)

A street is lit up in celebration of the Maori New Year in Auckland, New Zealand, July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Wu Jiaxiang/Xinhua)

Children learn Maori words during a celebration event of the Maori New Year in Christchurch, New Zealand, July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua)

A girl learns to make handicrafts during a celebration event of the Maori New Year in Christchurch, New Zealand, July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Chen Siyumeng/Xinhua)

People perform traditional Maori songs and dances during a celebration event of the Maori New Year in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 10, 2026. Various activities were held across the country to celebrate the Maori New Year. (Photo by Meng Tao/Xinhua)