Māori proverb / Whakataukī
Matariki hunga nui
- Matariki, the gatherer of people
Matariki rising over Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Matariki is known as the Māori New Year in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view), named for a star cluster that appears in the early morning sky in New Zealand during the mid-winter months.
Closely connected with the maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), the reappearance of the Matariki stars in the early morning sky brings the past year to a close and marks the beginning of the new year.
During the festivities, people all across Aotearoa come together to remember their ancestors, share food (kai), sing songs, tell stories and play music. Matariki is about reconnecting with your home and whānau (family) and honouring the traditions of our tupuna (ancestors).
Some of the ways people recognise Matariki include:
- Reflecting on the legacy of loved ones who have passed
- Sharing karakia (prayers/incantations) or waiata (songs) that resonate with this special occasion
- Expressing gratitude for blessings received and setting intentions for the year ahead
- Enjoying a Matariki feast with traditional Māori foods
Our Auckland teams celebrate Matariki with a special big breakfast
Our Programmed Facility Management team in Auckland hosted a special Matariki big breakfast at our Henderson office to mark the occasion, celebrating the Māori New Year with delicious kai and meaningful reflections.
The team gathered to honour tradition, embrace togetherness, and share in the spirit of Matariki on this special occasion, joined by our colleagues in Programmed Property Services.
Coming together in celebration and connection made a wonderful way to mark the Māori New Year!
