Things to do in preparation for Matariki

The first Matariki public holiday is fast approaching, but let's not reduce the important date to just another day off.  

For many, the appearance of Matariki signals a time of peace, joy and remembrance. To make sure you don’t forget that, here’s a list of activities you can do to inject some kaupapa Māori into your life in time for 24 June. 
 

Practice your te reo 

What better way to prepare for Matariki than brushing up on your te reo! There’s a misconception that we have to learn the most complex of sentence structures and the most elaborate verbs, nouns and adjectives – but that’ll come in due course. Consider learning te reo as a lifelong marathon rather than a 100-metre sprint. Every marathon starts with one step – all you need to do is take it! You could begin by translating everyday objects you have at home or in the office. Things like  tēpu (table) or tūru (chair) or pouaka whakaata (television) and, of course, my favourite – wā kai, literally time to eat, or lunchtime. 

Try some kai 

I understand that straying away from air fryer food will be hard, but trust me, it's worth it. Matariki is traditionally a time to get together to share kai harvested from past seasons. If you can’t be bothered cooking, head on over to your local Saturday market, you’re sure to find some sort of Māori kai to try. Whether it’s hāngī, fry bread, or some sort of kai moana, all of this food will leave you with a full puku and a new appreciation for Māori cuisine. 
 

Watch Māori movies 

As mentioned earlier, Matariki is all about remembrance and storytelling. What better embodies this than film? Māori filmmakers have created some of Aotearoa’s most successful movies. Many of these either focus, or tie in Māori culture into the fabric of each story. Here are a few you should watch.  

Cousins - Directed by Briar Grace-Smith, Ainsley Gardener 

The Dead Lands - Directed by Toa Fraser 

Mahana - Directed by Lee Tamahori  

Matariki is overwhelmingly about coming together, reflecting on the past, celebrating the present, and looking to the future. Do your best to remember this when celebrating in a few weeks' time. 

Matariki hunga nui - Matariki of many people. 

Kia pai tō rā,  
Mason