Mānawatia a Matariki

July 31, 2024 Ashley Pihema

Ka mahuta a Matariki i te pae, ka mahuta ō tātou tūmanako ki te tau

When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead

Hapori around Aotearoa chased the sunrise on Friday 28 June to catch a glimpse of the unveiling of Matariki. We see it here in Aotearoa, NZ between late May and June by looking toward the eastern horizon at Dawn. The rise of this cluster of stars is celebrated all over the world, but in Aotearoa we call this cluster Matariki, which signifies Te Tau Hou Māori, the Māori New Year.

This cluster of stars holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous people all over the world, in each corner of our world Matariki has been celebrated for thousands of years.

Matariki Aotearoa

Makali’i Hawaii

Subaru Japan

Krittika India

Pleiades Greece

Mao/ White Tiger China

Soraya Persia

While Iwi, hapū and whānau have different interpretations of Matariki and its origins, the significance of Matariki is understood and respected widely, bringing whānau and communities together for generations. Matariki is a time of celebration, reflection, planting, harvesting, remembrance, and the opportunity to look toward the future.

Our Rerehua team embraced the Māori new year by coming together to share a kai and a kōrero. We celebrated the year that was and the opportunities and blessings that lay ahead while acknowledging the dedication our team continues to make day in and day out to ensure our pakihi and whānau thrive.

A few highlights from our reflections:

Kaitahi with our Rerehua whānau
Market events,
Networking with other pakihi and meeting new people
Our business trip to China
A Matariki pepi
Our whānau joining us for kaupapa and events
Quality time visiting whānau in the capital, including our whanaunga Kupe from the Hokianga
Music, art exhibits, movies and kai stalls at Waitangi nights - Te Tii grounds engrained on our hearts.
Our Whānau
Wānanga
And mahi getaways at Waitangi

While we have installed traditions to celebrate Matariki in our whare there are a few ideas you can celebrate Matariki in your home over the next month.

Host a Kai: It doesn’t need to be a big fancy spread, gather your friends and whānau and share a kai together, be present with your loved ones.

Mana Taiao: Ground yourself with the land or sea, take a walk in nature or plant a small garden, acknowledge the significant role our environment plays in our world and the importance of our roles as Kaitiaki / protectors or guardians.

Dreams and Aspirations: Map out the year ahead, think about the goals and aspirations you desire for your whānau, your friends and yourself. Speak them to Hiwa I te Rangi who awaits you’re your thoughts. Reflect on the year that has been and bring all your learnings with you into the Māori new year.

Acknowledging and celebrating Matariki is more than just about the stars, Matariki is about the past the present and the future. We love that we are able to create Taonga that honour Te ao Māori and te reo māori in all its mana and beauty. Releasing our Matariki Bracelets was an exciting launch for us, a gentle mihi from us to acknowledge and celebrate Matariki.

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