The rising of the star constellation known as Matariki is an important time in the Maori calendar. It heralds in the Maori New Year, which is a time to connect with, and give thanks to the land, sea and sky. Ko te kāhui whetū e mōhiotia nei ko Matariki he wā nui tonu i roto i te maramataka Māori, ko te karere ia o te tau hou Māori. Ko te wā hei tāpae atu, hei tuku mihi ki te whenua, te moana me te rangi. He wā anō hoki e tūhono ai te hapori ki te poroaki i te tau kua hipa, ki te whakanui me te whakatika atu mō te tau e tū mai nei. Me āhei i konei te kai tahi, te karakia, te ngahau tahi, te manaaki tangata me te oha mātauranga.

It’s a great time for the community to come together and acknowledge the year gone by, as well as, to celebrate and prepare for the year ahead. This involves the sharing of kai (food), rituals, entertainment, hospitality and knowledge.

Maori Land Courts, through their Active Workplace Programme joined in recently on Matariki celebrations with their staff and whanau. The wellness committee at Maori Land Courts led the team with varied initiatives over the month.  These initiatives included in - house morning karakia, Te Reo  morning quiz sessions with staff joining in to support one another, Aka Wananga sessions (Maori language sessions) became a focus learning the Maori language via colours, counting and basic kupu followed by a celebration of kai.

The team at Maori Land Courts then ended the Matariki Celebrations on a high with a fun filled challenge.  This Scavenger Hunt Challenge was set around the beautiful Hatea Loop with staff running/walking to find clues.  These clues were in Te Reo Maori and moved participants around the Hatea Loop to specific destinations before ending back at the start.  The Scavenger Hunt Challenge was a great way to get staff moving, implementing Te Reo Maori as well as some great team work.

Feedback from the Matariki month was that the initiatives were completed by most staff with one of the wellness team members Zeniff explaining “staff really joined together to participate in an enjoyable month supporting one another other with learning and team work”.

Pictured - Maori Land Court – Staff using the local Hatea Loop in their Scavenger Hunt Challenge