Mānawatia a Matariki
Matariki is a time for remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking to the future.
This year, the Matariki theme is Matariki herenga waka, which is about inclusion and encouraging all people to celebrate Matariki together.
⭐ We share He Karakia mō Puanga mā Matariki by Ben Ngāia (Te Āti Awa), gifted to the Wellington Writers Walk by Te Wharewaka o Pōneke: https://wellingtonwriterswalk.co.nz/sculpture/ben-ngaia/
He Karakia mō Puanga mā Matariki
Tuia i runga, tuia i raro
Tuia te here tangata i a Nukuārangi
Ki a Puanga Kai Rau, ki a Matariki Ahunga Nui
Tō mata tini me pā ki roto, tō mata tini me pā ki waho
Kia horahia te kura, he kura nui, he kura roa
He kura takatū mai i a rongotaketake
Ka rongo te pō, ka rongo te ao
Ka rongo i te ahi kā roa i tūārangi te whakaeke nei
Ka whakaeke te haukai kia tina
Ka whakaeke te haukai kia toka
Ka whakaeke te haukai kia uru ora
Whiti, whano, tau mai te mouri
Haumi e! Hui e! Tāiki e!
Woven from above, woven from below
Interlacing our fundamental virtues to be in balance with the celestial and humane realms
To Puanga and Matariki, bringing forth aspirations of kindness and generosity
May your divine countenance be imbued inherently, manifesting itself throughout the community
So that goodwill is declared, may it be strong and enduring
An enduring gift established on the pillar of peace
Resounding throughout times of hardship and times of abundance
Resounding are the fires of ancestral connection, from times immemorial that ascend forth
May the gifts shared from one to another be upheld
May these gifts be affirmed
May these gifts sustain life and its vitality, may it be enduring
Proceed forth with hope, bringing balance to our lives
Bringing people together as one!
⭐ The principles for Matariki
Matariki is a time of reflection, celebration and preparation. The three key principles for Matariki, and our CEWH response, are:
1. Matariki Hunga Nui
Remembrance
Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki:
We honour the wahine who was experiencing homelessness, and who died in Takapuna, at 7:45 AM, on Wednesday, September 24. Her details remain private as a measure of protection and respect.
We acknowledge the whānau experiencing homelessness whose passing may not be recorded or publicly known. During this time of remembrance at Matariki 2026, we extend our collective acknowledgement to all whānau we have lost over the past year.
Hoki wairua koutou mā e koro mā e kui mā kei tua o te arai e!
2. Matariki Ahunga Nui
Celebrating the present
Gathering together to give thanks for what we have:
CEWH Te Tira Whakahaere Strategic Retreat will take place during the season of Matariki in Te Whanganui a Tara Wellington to take stock of where we are, to wānanga next steps and to draft an implementation roadmap to deliver on them.
The strategic retreat will provide us with a chance to engage in whakawhanaungatanga, to refresh the bonds our shared vision and values create, and to stand taller and stronger through our collective efforts.
3. Matariki Manako Nui
Looking to the Future
Looking forward to the promise of a new year: CEWH Matariki Wish for 2026: To end women's homelessness.
Mānawatia a Matariki.
