PĀNUI
NEWS
Strengthening Connections through Shared Traditions
19 / 06 / 2025
Matariki, the Māori New Year, is a celestial event that marks the rising of the Pleiades star cluster and signals the start of a new cycle. In Aotearoa, this time is honoured with celebration, reflection, and connection, an opportunity to deepen our appreciation for Māori culture and traditions.
"E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata!"
For many, Matariki is a return to ancient knowledge and a time to forge meaningful connections, with whānau, community, and the natural world. While some grew up with Matariki woven into their family whakapapa, others are just beginning to discover its significance and the unique traditions that surround it.
The beauty of Matariki lies in its invitation to all of us, no matter where we are on our journey, to embrace and create new ways to connect. Just as families have their own ways of celebrating other cultural events, so too do whānau, hapū, and iwi develop personal traditions around Matariki. These traditions, whether storytelling, stargazing, sharing kai, or participating in cultural ceremonies, build a true sense of belonging and identity.
At He Waka Tapu, we see Matariki as more than a celebration, it’s a moment to prioritise connection. The laughter of tamariki playing, the warmth of shared kai, and the stories told around the whāriki create memories that nourish the soul. As we reflect on the year past and honour those who have gone before us, we also speak aloud our hopes for the year ahead, reinforcing our collective strength.
"For many, Matariki offers a chance to learn about mātauranga Māori and astronomy, enriching our understanding of the world through the eyes of our ancestors."
As we reflect on the year past and honour those who have gone before us, we also speak aloud our hopes for the year ahead, reinforcing our collective strength.
The work of Māori scholars such as Professor Rangi Mātāmua (Tūhoe) has been instrumental in reviving and sharing this knowledge, helping many to connect with the lunar calendar and star cycles that guide traditional ways of living.
The evolving nature of Matariki celebrations encourages us to consider the traditions we want to carry forward. Whether that’s specific foods, ceremonies, acts of service, or moments of mindfulness, these customs nurture our connection to te aō Māori and one another.
This year, we invite you to reflect on what traditions you value most and how you might incorporate them into your whānau or community gatherings.
Strengthening connections during Matariki is a pathway to wellbeing, it promotes belonging, builds resilience, and a shared sense of purpose. As we journey together through this season, may we embrace the light of the stars to guide us in nurturing relationships that sustain us now and into the future.
