When I was growing up, we didn’t celebrate Matariki / the Māori New Year.
I don’t ever recall my parents or grandparents talking about the stars or planting or anything remotely related to Matariki.
But I did observe the planning and preparation they did, especially my father, around kai.
Although we lived in an urban area, my parents made full use of our ¼ acre section and we had fruit trees, veggie gardens and even chickens in our backyard.
Things were different back then.
My parents were down-to-earth people and with 8 tamariki they had to be.
It wasn’t until I was working in Wellington that celebrating Matariki became a “thing”.
In fact, many of the roles I held, it was often my (or the team I was in) responsibility to organize a Matariki event for our non-Māori colleagues.
And I used to get hōhā with it with all.
I thought it was a gesture of tokenism when the organization’s policies, practices, and systems more often than not, did not benefit Māori.
Nowadays I’m a little more relaxed about it and appreciate the various Matariki celebrations around the motu.
In Wellington, the council has decided to shift its annual fireworks event from celebrating Guy Fawkes to Matariki to bring a more of an “Aotearoa” feel to the celebrations.
I tautoko that move.
For me today, Matariki is the perfect time to pause and take stock; to reflect, review and celebrate the first half of the year.
And once you’ve done that, it is a perfect time to refine your plans for the rest of the year; to think (and plan) about the possibilities and opportunities.
I had lunch with a dear friend last week and we reflected on where we both were 12 months ago and where we are today.
The shift for both of us was amazing!
But let me tell you it didn’t come from just letting things happen.
It came from thinking, planning, taking action, monitoring progress, identifying what worked and what didn’t, and making a course correction.
It came from getting out there, pushing through our fears, daring to be who we are, being seen and heard, trusting ourselves, being ok with possible failure and being persistent and consistent.
I call this ‘bossing up’.
It means working on you as a leader to step into your power to lead with confidence and authenticity.
And there’s nothing like having a group of wāhine behind, beside and sometimes in front of you to show you the way, support you and cheer you along.
That’s what Te Hao is all about.
Sure, you could do it all on your own but why would you?
I used to be Ms. Independent and thought I could do it all on my own.
But let me tell you, it’s much quicker, easier and more fun to have a supportive group of wāhine with you.
Matariki represents having all my ‘sisters’ on my side, looking out for me and me looking out for them.
We are stronger together.
I’m well on track to achieving my BIG goals for the year and making the kind of positive impact I want to on the world.
By joining Te Hao you too could make the shift you desire in your career, business, and life.
You will learn how to form the right plan for you so you can reach your goals and then keep going.
Every month you will have access to training that will prepare you for a high-impact, high-influence career and life.
Strategies will be shared to not just create but also to handle and evolve an outstanding life and career.
And as a founding member, the price will never increase as long as you remain a member, and you will get a significant discount on future iWahine hui and other products and services.
Awhimai
P.S. The beautiful image above is called ‘Matariki’ by Theresa Reihana. You can buy the print from her website HERE
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