Kotahitanga #7: New Year, Same Old Mistakes

KOTAHITANGA | COLUMN | TE AO MĀORI | MATARIKI

Written by Hirimaia Eketone (they/them) | @hiri_music | Te Ao Māori Editor

Tena koutou katoa, 

Nau mai hoki mai ki te putanga tuawhitu o te rarangi Kotahitanga!

Kia ora e hoa ma, welcome back once again to the Kotahitanga column. Mo te rā, let’s dive into some common reo used around Matariki and the new year!

First and foremost, Matariki is much more than simply a celebration of the star cluster. As mentioned in my editorial, Matariki is a time for reflection, whanau, celebration, and new beginnings. Whether you chose to celebrate the holiday itself, or just enjoyed an extra day off, we can all use this momentous occasion to shift our thinking half-way through the general calendar year. 

There are a couple of phrases that are particularly useful around Matariki. Though it has since passed, use these simple phrases next time the opportunity rises!

• “Mānawatia a Matariki” - Celebrate Matariki 

• “Ka mua, ka muri,” - Walk/Follow the footsteps of those who came before you (used as encouragement)

• “He waka eke noa” - We’re all in this together

• “Whakapau kaha ki te whai i te ao hurihuri”- Be strong in pursuing the ever-changing world

On a more serious note, it is important to acknowledge the state of the ao around us. I know that for many, the global strife at the moment is heavy on our hinengaro, making it hard to process anything other than the worry and dread of what is to come. It is in these times that I implore all of us to focus on the things that matter most to us. Seeing friends and whanau, advocating for those who cannot and living our life to the fullest, no matter what the government has to say about it.

Use these phrases as endearment, empowerment and encouragement. Continue to reap the benefits of filling your kite with reo, culture, whakapapa and light.

Until next time e hoa ma,

Mā te wā!