Matariki Address

Tihei uriuri, tihei nakonako, tihei ki te waitaki kua-a-kupe, ki te ao mārama – tihei mauri ora. (Behold the darkness, behold the dense night, behold the ancient world of Kupe, to the world of enlightenment).

Ki a koutou kua tae mai, ki tēnei karanga o Matariki: Piki mai, kake mai, nau mai ki tēnei whare.  Ngā mate kua tangihia, haere koutou.  Ko Matariki te kaupapa o tenei po.  Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.

Those who have responded to our Matariki call, welcome to Government House.  I also acknowledge and farewell those who have passed on.  I extend greetings to all who are gathered for this Matariki celebration this evening.

It is a great pleasure for Janine and me to host this Matariki event at Government House.  Although it is the first Matariki we have celebrated as the Vice-Regal couple, it’s an event that we want to mark each year, following on from the two events my predecessor Sir Anand Satyanand held.  So I have four more to look forward to during my term of office! 
Today I issued my first Matariki message, and I will speak briefly on that, before we enjoy the wonderful entertainment that follows.

When stars of Matariki, the tiny eyes, rise on the north-east horizon, just before dawn, and trace the path of the rising sun, it is a signal for Matariki, the Māori New Year, celebrations to begin.  It also coincides with Maruaroa o Takurua - the Winter solstice, the shortest day, in the southern hemisphere when the Sun begins its journey south.
 
The seven stars of Matariki – the Pleiades or Seven Sisters in the Taurus constellation - are well-known throughout the Pacific – Mata-ali’i in Samoa, Makahiki in Hawaii and Matari’i in Tahiti.  Throughout history, they have acted as an important beacon for ocean navigators and for determining our seasons.  In that sense, Matariki defines how we live in the southern hemisphere, particularly in the South Pacific, and connects us to our kin in the wider Pacific.  Its rising signals the transition to a new beginning.  Cognisant of our past as we look ahead to the bounty of Spring and the warmth of Summer. 

“Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whanui.  Ko te tohu o te tau e! – Matariki reappears, Whanui starts its flight.  It is the sign of the new year”. 

Matariki is a time of reminiscence, a time to remember our ancestors and to grieve for those who have passed away since its last appearance.
 
“Haere atu ra e koro, ki te paepae o Matariki, o Rehua.  Haere atu ra – farewell old man, go to the threshold of Matariki, of Rehua.  Farewell”.

Matariki is also a time to be thankful – so it’s our Thanksgiving for the harvest of the previous year.  The storehouses are full and it is a time for celebrating and feasting. 

“Nga kai a Matariki, nana i ao ake ki runga. – the foods of Matariki, by her scooped hand”. 

Matariki is a time to celebrate the change of seasons, to pass on the knowledge about the forests and the land, and to prepare the soil for the coming year.  Clear bright stars meant a favourable and early planting season.  If the stars appeared hazy and huddled together, it would be a cold Winter and so planting would be delayed.
 
“Matariki atua ka eke mai i te rangi e roa, E whangainga iho ki te mata o te tau e roa e – Devine Matariki come forth from the far-off heaven, bestow the first fruits of the year upon us.”

Above all, Matariki is our opportunity to all join together in New Zealand’s own moment to reflect on what has been, to be thankful for what we have, and to prepare for what might follow, so that we may all share our well-being and national successes.

Those of you here tonight represent a variety of fields, disciplines and vocations typical of Aotearoa New Zealand.  As a resilient and connected nation of confident, innovative and passionate people, our strength lies in embracing our heritage, sharing our knowledge, celebrating our individual and collective achievements and supporting each other in both the good times and the sad times. 

The American author and political scientist, Leslie Lipson, was able to capture the essence of our Kiwi community and whanaungatanga when he wrote:

“If something good is to be had, then, the New Zealander will argue, let it be spread as widely as possible.  The more who can participate, the better.”

And in that spirit, tonight we share in celebrating Matariki – to reflect on the year that was and prepare for the future.  It is a time where we can celebrate what makes us unique in this world, what makes us who we are and defines us, as New Zealanders.

Tonight is also an opportunity for each of you to meet other talented and creative people, to establish new networks, and build new relationships that may very well be of use in preparing for your future.

There is also a special Matariki gift which the Government House Team will ensure you receive as you leave tonight.  It is a small jar of Apple and Horopito Jelly, made by our exceptional chefs here at the House.  The apples and horopito were harvested from our grounds here at Government House! 

To conclude, please continue to enjoy the hospitality of the House.  Take this as a special time to celebrate together in this place that holds a distinctive position in the history of our country.  As Governor-General of New Zealand I trust you all enjoy reclaiming and celebrating Matariki, this unique event in the calendar of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Na reira, “Matariki whetu ki te Rangi, Tāngata ora ki te Whenua - Matariki star in the Sky, Humankind’s well-being on Earth.”

Kia ora huihui tātou katoa.