Well here we are again in the middle of the year and as I sit by my fire with grey and drizzle outside it means we are also now in winter officially. And winter means we are close to Māori New Year and the celebration of Matariki. While for many the day off on 20 June may hold limited significance other than ‘a day off’, it is important I think to notice the importance of this date in the Māori calendar and the chance to pause, reflect and reset which it can provide. The Matariki theme for 2025 is ‘Matariki mā Puanga’ in recognition that not all iwi or hapu from around our motu celebrate this time of year the same or even look to the same star. This theme is all about inclusion and also embracing diversity and offers an opportunity to notice uniqueness and to be in that uniqueness together. These are sentiments and actions which our world could well learn from at this time.
I don’t have much more to say on the subject of Matariki today other than to refer you back to earlier blogs on The Project Team website, which have reflected on this season change at this time of year and the meaning of the season for us.
https://theprojectteam.co.nz/2024/05/10/lessons-for-autumn/
https://theprojectteam.co.nz/2023/07/07/two-pakeha-discuss-matariki/
I have found it interesting to look back on these blogs, and to consider what I have learned, grown, developed and changed in the time since writing them both.
This Puanga (as recognised by iwi and hapu in the rohe I live within) I will be taking some time to reflect back on what has been a challenging year in the supervision room and in the world at large. I will give pause to gather what I need to continue the work and journey forward. I wish you all the time to stop, gather with loved ones and to do the same.
Ngā mihi
Karen
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