Matariki is a significant marker on Aotearoa’s annual calendar. For many people, it is a time for remembrance, reflection, celebration and looking ahead to the year to come.
Food has always played a central role in how communities come together. Around the world, many of our most significant occasions are marked by sharing meals with whānau and friends. Certain foods and traditions become linked to memories, seasons and place, creating connections that span generations.
For Māori, the rising of the Matariki star cluster traditionally signalled a time to gather, remember those who had passed, give thanks for the bounty provided by the natural world and prepare for the year ahead. Themes of remembrance, gratitude and renewal remain at the heart of many Matariki celebrations today.
Those themes resonate naturally with hospitality. Sharing food, bringing people together and creating spaces where people feel welcome are expressions of manaakitanga that sit at the heart of what our industry does.
There is no single way to acknowledge Matariki, and any acknowledgement should be approached with respect and authenticity. For some businesses, that may mean showcasing local and seasonal produce, supporting community events or simply bringing the team together to share a meal and reflect. Matariki is first and foremost a time of remembrance, reflection and connection, and the most meaningful acknowledgements are often the simplest.
Ideas for Marking Matariki in Your Business
– Understand the importance of the ingredients including the cultural practices of harvesting and using them.
– Incorporate te reo Māori into menus, signage or team communications where appropriate.
– Get in touch with local iwi and see if you can work alongside them.
– Use as much local produce as possible and try seeking out some indigenous ingredients. Have a look at this great list here from Te Ara, the NZ Encyclopaedia.
– Support or participate in local Matariki events happening in your community.
– Another great way to honour the occasion is to celebrate with your team. Matariki is a time for reflection and planning for the year ahead, there are lots of ways to honour the time including having a feast with your team.
Learn more and further reading:
- If you would like to know more about Matariki you can read this piece by Dr Rangi Matamua a leading expert on Matariki and Māori astronomy, on what it means — and the science that underpins it.