How our whānau spent Matariki
Aotearoa, New Zealand celebrated Matariki over the weekend which marks the beginning of the Māori New Year.
It’s a time to reflect on the year that has been, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. We caught up with some of our people to hear how they spent their Matariki and what it means to them.
Read below to hear the stories from our whānau about how they spent their Matariki weekend with friends and loved ones.
Geoff Hemmingson, Product Owner NZMP
We decided to celebrate Matariki with a one-day roady. We love road trips, it’s a great way to korero with the kids.
We headed down early to Mount Maunganui. The temperature on the way down was a fresh 1-2 degrees with some 1814, Katchafire and LAB playing on the wireless.
We hit the local markets in the morning, and then had classic fish & chips for lunch at Papamoa. After that we headed back to Tāmaki Makaurau for my famous watercress, pork bones, and mutomutos for dinner. Every time I make them, it reminds me of my Mum.
Matariki for us is about being grateful and thankful for what we have, invest more time to the people that we care about, reset our energy for the year ahead, and to remember those who have passed on and are now watching over us.
Mānawatia a Matariki, from my whānau to yours.
Deborah Paterson, L5b Tanker Operator
I travelled to Rakiura (Stewart Island) for Puaka/Matariki and took part in the celebration of Whenua Hou Codfish Island being predator free for 25 years.
Whenua Hou Komiti and the Rakiura community had an open day at the Community Centre on Saturday with many amazing speakers and displays.
Whakahokia au ki te kaika tuturu, kia mo te ihi, kia mo te wehe, nunui te wairua mo te Matariki tenei tau. To travel home to the kaika of my tupuna and celebrate Matariki in their presence was so very meaningful!
Whakahokia au ki te kaika tuturu, kia mo te ihi, kia mo te wehe, nunui te wairua mo te Matariki tenei tau. To travel home to the kaika of my tupuna and celebrate Matariki in their presence was so very meaningful!
Verity Hikairo, Practice Leader
This Matariki, my whānau and I travelled to Nelson from Hamilton to support my oldest boy at Te Huinga Whetuu, Secondary Schools National Kapa Haka competition.
It was an honour to be in the presence with our Rangatahi from all over the motu to celebrate this on Matariki.
These young leaders were the representation of the incoming wave of young Māori who are confident and sure of who they are.
We stopped in Pōneke (Wellington) for the night on Saturday to enjoy the Matariki celebration on the waterfront. I was very proud to see the representation of people from all cultures, engaging in the activities and celebrations.
Teatatu Falwasser, Technical Sales Representative
I kicked off Matariki on Thursday with the Hamilton Farm Source team where we enjoyed some delicious kai.
Friday consisted of watching the Hautapu in Wānaka on TV as well as the Kapa Haka Kura Tuarua Nationals in Nelson on TV.
We headed to the Warriors vs Broncos game on Saturday where my son’s team were the curtain-raiser, playing before the official game.
Marama Ratahi, L5 Laboratory Technician - Class III
In Taranaki, we don't get a clear view of Matariki and therefore celebrate Puanga.
Living out by the coast we usually go to Parihaka to do this - last year was the clearest Puanga seen rising above koro.
Everyone gathers on Te Purepo at 6am (the hill where the army's cannons were), then we head to the mara to light the ahi (celebration for the lighting of a ritual fire), and its usually the morning spent in the mara doing the mahi. They had speakers in the afternoon and then entertainment from our locals before the ahi is extinguished at night.
It's the coolest day for everyone!