Hero photograph
Te Huihui-o-Matariki — stars in the southern skies which mark the Maori New Year
 
Photo by Filip Lolic

Matariki Blessing

Christine Kelly —

 Waipunarangi
May the waters that flow through us Waiti Waita
bless us; the earth in her bounty Tupuanuku
invite us to share.
Tupuarangi
May the storms that engulf us, Ururangi
serve to gentle and humble us;
make us wise.
May our dead in the heavens Pohutukawa
precious as light beyond darkness;
remember and mind us.
Stars gathered as sign,
desire held out and deep-
may newness of season Hiwa-i- te rangi
warm us and wake us
as we pause for rebirth.