In celebration of the Māori New Year, ANZ's ATM on Grey Street now features a distinctive and beautiful Matariki-themed surrounds.

Unveiled at an official ceremony this morning, the design was created by contemporary Māori visual artist Simon Te Wheoro (Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Mahanga and Te Aupouri) and reflects the rising of the Matariki stars and the beginning of a New Year.

Created by contemporary Māori visual artist Simon Te Wheoro, the ATM surround reflects the rising of the Matariki stars and the beginning of a New Year. Photo: Vandi Photography.

Simon's design incorporates customary Māori patterns, like the tāniko (Māori weaving) and seven moko kauae (female chin tattoo) which represent Matariki and her six sisters – a common version of the Matariki story.

Simon explains his design was inspired by the tradition of navigating by the Matariki stars.

'The moko kauae are set against a triangular tāniko pattern, which I've used to depict a traditional constellation identification game known as 'mahi whai,” he says.

'The tāniko is represented in gradients of blue, to capture the feeling of new beginnings and new life. The mountains featured at the base of the ATMs acknowledge Papatūānuku, mother earth.

'The two mountains seen from left to right are Karioi and Mauao, sacred landmarks that form part of my genealogy.”

It is the third year that ANZ has created special ATM surrounds to mark Matariki and Māori Relationships head David Harrison says ANZ is on a journey of building greater cultural competence across the organisation.

Along with celebrating Matariki through their ATMs and staff events, ANZ is also encouraging staff to use te reo Māori as much as possible throughout July, and especially during Māori Language Week from July 4-10.

'With each year we're building greater momentum and it's great to hear people's confidence grow as they use and hear more te reo Māori on a regular basis,” adds David.

Matariki inspired ATM surrounds have also been unveiled in Wellington and Kaitaia.