As the cluster of Matariki stars reappears in the winter sky, a quiet kind of magic settles over Aotearoa. It’s a time to mark the Māori New Year — a season rich with meaning, memory, and hope.
Rooted in tikanga Māori, Matariki is more than a date on the calendar. It invites us to pause — to reflect on where we’ve come from, replenish our energy, and gently restore our sense of direction for the year ahead.
Each iwi and whānau may honour Matariki in their own way, but the spirit of the season remains the same: a time for remembrance, connection, and renewal.
Here are a few simple ways to honour the essence of Matariki:
Reflect
Take a moment to remember loved ones who are no longer with you. Light a candle, look through old photographs, or simply sit with a memory.
Write in a journal — not just about what’s changed, but how you’ve changed. What are you proud of? What lessons will you carry forward?
Replenish
Matariki is a time to slow down and nurture yourself. Lean into rest. Sleep in if you can. Take slow walks. Enjoy warming teas or soups made with care.
Connect with others — share a meal, swap stories, or simply sit in comfortable silence. Whānau and friendship are at the heart of this season.
Restore
Set gentle intentions for the months ahead. These don’t have to be big or bold — think: more fresh air, deeper conversations, less rushing.
Find a small ritual that brings you back to yourself — watching the sunrise, reading before bed, looking up at the stars. Let it be a quiet anchor in your week.
Matariki offers us a rare and beautiful gift: time. Time to remember, to reconnect, and to reset — not in haste, but with heart.
Wherever and however you’re celebrating, may this season bring you peace, clarity, and quiet joy.
Mānawatia a Matariki.
