matariki - te tau hau māori
Tipuānuku
E tū Tupuānuku
Ko te one paramu
Ringihia mai rā tō rahi
Ki te whenua haumako
Kia puta ko te ora o Rongo
Koia!
Manawatia a Matariki!
Welcome to our Matariki blog.
Behold Tupuānuku, of the fertile soil, spread your plenty across the land. Reveal the bounty of Rongoā, Indeed!
We see and feel heartened by Tupuānuku, one of the nine Matariki stars connected to our kai and our rongoā that are grown in the soil or harvested from the ground. At this time we gently remind ourselves of, and reflect on, the importance of our soil and all the life forces it contains that contribute to our harvests, nurturing and producing our kai atua.
While it is crisp and cold during these deep winter months, we are warmed by our kai and kōrero together, with whānau, with friends and often with complete strangers. It is in these small acts of gathering, sharing, manaaki and reflection that we take the time to learn more about one another, draw ourselves closer together, to come to the kai table, connecting, supporting, and learning more about one others aspirations, taking time to celebrate and dream what we want to see more of.
Image courtesy of ECE Voice
We acknowledge our loved ones who we have lost and remember them with aroha, knowing that through whakapapa and storytelling we keep them alive in our hearts. We are reminded of the legacy of the late Moana Jackson who had so much wisdom and insight, and moved graciously upholding mana enhancing practices, sharing with us all. ‘The power in our truth, the truth in our power’, is a collection of writings from some of Moana Jackson’s friends, whānau and colleagues who share recollections of the man they knew and reflect on his many contributions to whānau, hapū, iwi, Aotearoa and the world.
This rich resource is available at Te takupu. It will keep you pondering and motivated to decolonsie our spaces and places, and keep hope at the forefront. Kai for the soul, this book will be one you return to again and again broadening perspectives and appreciating Moana’s contribution. More wonderful resources have been available during Matariki such as the themes of Matariki which have karakia, activities and guidance around how to celebrate together while increasing our Matariki knowledge.
While we are looking after each other, it is vitally important that we look after ourselves too.
During this time of looking upwards it is equally important to look inwards and tend to our internal garden, to take the time to recharge and remind ourselves what it is that we need right now.
Kore Hiakai Zero Hunger Collective have been reflecting also. Resetting our goals and dreams. Tentatively reaching out to reconnect to those who are committed to this journey of a Food Secure Aotearoa. We are looking forward to furthering our commitment to understanding your values and priorities as we move into our new year.
“As agents of change Kore Hiakai recognise the role that Tangata Tiriti plays by requiring Tangata Tiriti to share power and acknowledge the wisdom and rangatiratanga of Tangata Whenua. Kore Hiakai commit to embedding a Tiriti frame in all aspects of our practice and organisational structure, our strategic plan and everyday mahi, in our kaimahi unit, our wider network and in our strategic leadership. This is a continuous process. Kore Hiakai are committed to regularly reflecting on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the effects of colonisation, continuously refining and resetting our practices.”
Collaboration is key – while we can maintain our rangatiratanga through our own goals, coming together through kotahitanga is essential for future challenges. Together, we can navigate changing the food landscape of Aotearoa to ensure all people always have agency and access to nourishing, affordable, culturally appropriate kai - making a food secure Aotearoa for all. Mauri Ora!
Ahakoa he tini ngā whetu ki te rangi, he nunui hoki ki te whenua - ko koe tetahi
Although there are many stars in the sky there are many also on the land, you are one of them.
By Moko Morris, Matariki July 2023