This Matariki, my son William came home from school with a piece of art, and it stopped me in my tracks.
He had made a picture of himself wrapped in a korowai, standing on the maunga under the stars of Matariki. In his hands he is holding a framed photo of his late nana.
Underneath, in his own words, he wrote:
“My photo holds great significance for me because it serves as a reminder of my late nana, who was incredibly important in my life, and I love her dearly. I want to cherish her memory and keep her in my thoughts to reflect on the wonderful times we shared.”
I read that a few times. I spend my days in spreadsheets, deadlines and other people’s numbers, and here was my boy quietly understanding the heart of Matariki better than most of us grown-ups manage.
Because that is what Matariki is really about. Matariki is the Māori New Year, marked by the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the cold winter sky. Here in Whakatāne, and right across Aotearoa, it is a time to do three things: to remember the people we have lost, to gather and give thanks for the ones still beside us, and to look to the year ahead.
It is easy, especially in business, to spend the whole year with your head down. Next job, next deadline, next thing. Matariki is a nudge to lift your eyes. Not just to the year ahead, but to the people who got you here, the ones who are gone and the ones you still get to ring on a Sunday.
So this year I am taking William’s lead. Remember them. Cherish them. Keep them in your thoughts.
However you mark Matariki, from our whānau at Calc to yours, we hope it is a peaceful one. And Nana, this one is for you.
When you are ready to turn your eyes to the year ahead, we have made something to help. Download our free year-ahead planning worksheet, a simple one-page way to map out where you want your business to go this year.
As always if you want to have a chat flick us a message!
