Lighter and brighter. Why Matariki 2022 matters

June 16, 2022

Kia ora tatou,

Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori!
Now’s the time to reflect on the year that has passed and plan for the year ahead.

“Significant”. That’s my keyword for Matariki 2022. Yep, significant that it’s now recognised as a public holiday in Aotearoa – that’s cool. But much… MUCH… more importantly, it’s a chance to understand and appreciate life through the lens of Te Ao Māori – whether you’re Māori or not.

Twelve months ago I talked about how Matariki has always been an important time for me. I feel naturally attuned to Maramataka (the Māori lunar calendar), right down to what to plant when.

If you want to get a bit spiritual about it, planting something new is more than just knowing when to pop in your new courgette seeds (although I recommend late spring for that!). It’s about planting ideas, ambitions and goals; watering, feeding, and cultivating to grow something strong long-lasting, and significant.

It's the same for business. What are you going to plant now to nourish you and your business journey?

The Māori worldview (Te Ao Māori) acknowledges the interconnectedness and interrelationship of all living and non-living things. It’s about seeking to understand the total system, not just the separate parts.

Tika, pono and aroha are fundamental concepts in this worldview. They are the means by which mana is demonstrated, enhanced or restored and they’re as significant to me as a business tikanga because it’s how we do things, why we do things; our customs, habits, laws and everything in between.

I feel so honoured to be working amongst our Iwi and supporting aspirations for their pakihi – whānau and community – which all have great impact on our regions. When the tangata whenua are thriving, we all benefit as a country because it flows into the wider whānau, which has real impact!

I’d love you to take a look at the night sky on Friday 24 June. Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the youngest whetū of the Matariki cluster. It points to the promise of a prosperous season (Hiwa means “vigorous of growth” and “I te rangi” means “in the sky”. It’s a wishing star – where we send our dreams and ambitions for the coming year. How are YOU going to hit your goals?

Take some time to think about three things you’re going to do now and for the rest of the year. Rinse and repeat every six months!

Stuck? You can look at the night sky for some inspiration. Is there anything more beautiful? Still not sure? How about these…

Ask yourself “why” you do what you do? Is it to create wealth for yourself and your whānau? Is it to create a better work/life balance? Is it to benefit your community?

Identify what success looks like for you NOW. What can you do in the next twelve months to get there quicker and with integrity?

Finally, think about your waka, and who is on it with you. Do you have the right people on it – and in the right positions? Are they pulling in the same direction? And in the direction you want to go?

Whatever the questions and whatever your answers, stay aligned with the stars that guide you, what lights up your sky. Make each and every action meaningful and special. Make it significant.

Tukua kia tū takitahi ngā whetū i te rangi

Stratigi is passionate about empowerment of people and businesses alike to create a lmitless mindset.
Contact Kim today to book a time
kim@stratigi.com
021 243 8546

It’s an honour to work with talented wahine like Ariana from Reo Māori Mai – telling her story to the world and powering Te reo for generations to come. Ngā mihi, Ariana!

‘I noticed straight away that Kim was really invested in me. It has been great to have a sounding board, a cheerleader, and a mentor. I have gained confidence in myself and my ability to make good choices for my business. Without Kim I might still be playing small, feeling isolated, and struggling to master the basics let alone finding time to dream bigger and brighter.’

Ariana Stevens, Director, Reo Māori Mai

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