2020 saw us all stay in our homes to avoid the Covid Pandemic. For some, returning to work was worrisome. For others, a time to kick start a new season. To support the transition, we created a Matariki campaign focussed on renewal, reflection and reconnection.

The name comes from the atua Tawhirimātea, when so angry at his brothers for separating their parents, Ranginui and Papatūānuku, that he pulled out his eyes, crushed them into small pieces and threw them into the heavens. The Matariki constellation of stars gleaming back at us are the eyes of Tawhirimātea.

Ana, I te atapō tonu ka rewa ake a Matariki
ka kitea mai, a koirā te tohu o te tau.

Each year the Matariki constellation cannot be seen above our horizon for a period of a few weeks. It then re-appears and can be seen rising above the horizon, which is the sign of the Māori new year.

Ngā Tamariki a Matariki: The Children of Matariki

Observing the brightness, distinctiveness and colour of Matariki provides insight into the wellbeing of people and the environment for the coming year. Each star in the constellation represents one of the children of Matariki and Rehua.

He Wā Tūhono Tēnei: A Time of Connection

Matariki atua ka eke mai i te rangi e roa,
E whāngainga iho ki te mata o te tau e roa e

Divine Matariki come forth from the far off heaven
Bestow the first fruits of the year upon us.

Matariki is a great time to take a pause, gather in your whānau (whether that’s your work whānau, kapa haka, or your Mum) and enjoy some much needed reflection and reconnection and have a wānanga about how to make the next season a cycle of awesomeness.

The artwork we have created represents the harmony and balance we all seek for our new year.

In the art we see Rehua and Matariki as large koru in a balanced relationship. Their 8 children are nestled between them. The koru lines emanating outwards in all directions represent the abundance of joy, peace, happiness we hope you all receive.

We shared our Matariki campaign with our clients, partners and friends to inspire them and help them with a difficult adjustment back into te ao Mārama. We were proud to receive Gold in the Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Awards.