Matariki 2026
Matariki is rising... and with it comes a chance to reconnect- to ourselves, to each other, and to te taiao
Over the next 9 days, we'll be sharing a post for each of the 9 stars of Matariki.
Each one weaves together a little bit of mātauranga māori, a personal story, and a simple prompt for you to reflect, celebrate, or just slow down and connect with nature.
Whether you’re gathering to hear stories by the fireside, heading out for a walk in the rain, sharing kai, or watching the stars- these gentle moments of connection matter.
Let’s move through the Matariki cluster together, star by star.
Matariki is the mother star of the cluster, she is the source of light and wellbeing for the year ahead. When she shines bright and high, it can be a sign of peace, good health, and good fortune to come.
This time last year, I was preparing to welcome my daughter into the world. Now, I see nature through her eyes, wide with wonder, delighted by every bug, leaf, bird, and the breeze.
One of my favourite moments was when a duckling gently jumped onto her tummy at the Botanical Gardens when she was only a couple of months old… my heart melted. It is these moments that remind me daily to slow down and take it all in, because we are so lucky to experience the nature that we have right now, and these moments of connection and wonder are my pēpi's childhood, and my motherhood.
Question: What’s one small moment in nature lately that’s helped you slow down or has filled you with awe?
Pōhutukawa is the star of remembrance and connection to those we hold close in our hearts.
Last Matariki, we lost our dear friend and ray of sunshine- Wednesday Davis. Wednesday was a passionate nature lover, especially when it came to our waterways and moana. She was a brilliant science communicator, and brought her whole passion and enthusiasm to every opportunity. Her love, kindness and curiosity for nature inspired so many. We will forever cherish the adventures, legacy, stories, and love she has left.
Wednesday loved knowing niche nature facts, especially when it came to the weird and wonderful.
To celebrate Wednesday’s spirit and love for the natural world, please share your favourite weird/wonderful nature fact with a friend/family member.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Tupuānuku reminds us of the magic in growing food from the ground- nurturing the soil, the seasons, and each other.
This Matariki, I’m starting a new role at Climate Action Campus- a place rooted in hands-on, student-led learning, sustainability, and community.
I’m so excited to learn alongside the team and ākonga with access to:
Māra kai (huge vege gardens)
Umu Parehe (woodfired pizza oven!)
Māra ki te pureti (garden to plate programmes)
Whare kai (fully equipped kitchen)
Food pantry (stocked with homegrown produce)
Over the past few years, Angus and I have grown garlic, potatoes, strawberries, zucchini, cauliflower, tomatoes, cucumber, and more- it’s been a grounding, satisfying way to slow down and reconnect. There’s something so special about harvesting kai from garden to plate. I can’t wait to keep learning and sharing in this space.
What’s something you’ve grown (or would love to grow) from the ground?
Tupuārangi connects us to the foods that come from above- like the fruits of our towering forest trees and the manu that feed upon them. It reminds us of the generosity of te taiao, and the ways people have historically harvested with care and respect.
The kererū, a taonga species, plays a crucial role in our ecosystems. They’re the only birds left in Aotearoa capable of swallowing large fruits like those of the karaka- helping disperse seeds and regenerate our ngahere.
Traditionally, kererū were harvested by Māori during Matariki, guided by mātauranga passed down through generations- rooted in sustainability, balance, and whakapapa. Tupuārangi represents these gifts from the sky, and invites us to reflect on the deep relationships between forest, bird, and people.
One of my favourites is the sweet, juicy fruit of the kahikatea. There’s something magical about looking up into a towering podocarp and spotting its tiny treasures.
Have you ever tried kahikatea fruit or any other (safe) berries from our native trees? What is your favourite fruit?
Access our FREE Forest Giants resource here: https://www.theseedpod.co.nz/all-resources/forest-giants
Waitī is connected to the flowing waters of our rivers, streams, and lakes- and all the life they hold. It reminds us to pause and give thanks for the freshwater systems that sustain so much.
One of my strongest memories linked to this star was sitting beside the awa on the Kiwi Forever programme, watching water weave its way over smooth river stones, the cool rush flowing straight from the distant maunga. We sat in silence, listening to kōrero about tohu/signs of a healthy river system and the mauri, the life force of the wai that flows through both the land and us.
This Matariki, Waitī invites us to honour our wai. Take time to learn the name of your local awa, learn about its tohu and take time to observe, feel the mauri of that waterway and find ways to uplift this, take part in native planting days along riverbanks, or join a community awa clean-up. Every little ripple makes a difference.
Have you ever sat beside a river and just listened? What did it tell you?
Check out our FREE River Tohu/Signs Resource sheets here: https://www.theseedpod.co.nz/all-resources/river-tohu-signs
Waitā connects us to the ocean - the source of so much life, food, and stories. It reminds us to care for our saltwaters and all the incredible creatures that call it home.
Some of my fondest childhood memories are of family trips to the coast - swimming, kayaking, surfing, mud crabbing, fishing, and exploring rock pools. Growing up land-locked in Taupō made those moments extra special and sparked my lifelong love for the moana.
In my previous role with BLAKE, I was lucky to work with tamariki and rangatahi across amazing programmes like BLAKE Inspire, Explorers, and NZ-VR. From hands-on experiences in the field to immersive virtual reality journeys, I watched young people connect deeply with the moana and grow into passionate kaitiaki (guardians).
What is your favourite moana/ocean species and why?
Waipunarangi reminds us of the gentle power of rain, how it nurtures the land, softens our steps, and gives life to everything it touches.
When was the last time you really felt the rain? Not rushed through it, but stood still and let it soak in?
When the opportunity next arises, why not jump in a puddle? Turn your face to the sky, listen to the rhythm of drops on the roof, and watch the garden drink!
One of my favourite memories is dancing in the rain with Ella in the Catlins, chasing waterfalls and feeling the fresh mist on our faces. It was a perfect moment of pure joy and connection with nature.
What’s your favourite rainy day memory?
Ururangi connects us to the ever-changing wind and weather that shapes our world.
This week, pause and feel the wind on your skin- soft, fierce, warm, or cool. What story does it tell you?
One of my most unforgettable wind moments was on my wedding day with Angus. Just as the ceremony began, a wild wind squall swept through. We were stood beneath towering oak trees when acorns started raining down on our guests (we’d joked it was good luck!). I’d left my vow book inside, so I filled time by sharing kōrero from the heart about Tāwhirimātea- the god of winds- and how nature showed up with power and grace, making its presence truly known.
What’s your most memorable wind moment?
Hiwa-i-te-rangi is all about hopes, dreams, and setting intentions for the year ahead. It’s our wishing star- a symbol of promise and the start of new beginnings.
Each year, I take time to connect, reflect, celebrate, and feel gratitude for nature.
My childhood experiences and passions have led me to where I am today, and now I get to nurture these curiosities in the next generation of kaitiaki/guardians.
I want to help create a world where my tamariki,and all tamariki,can grow up feeling connected to nature, confident in who they are, and inspired to make a difference.
Find our passion mapping/goal setting resources here: https://www.theseedpod.co.nz/all-resources/passion-mapping
What’s one wish or dream you’re holding close for this year?
