Matariki at Home: How We Celebrate

Matariki is a special time in Aotearoa. A time to reflect on the year that has been, celebrate the now and look ahead to what is to come.

For us at A&C, it is also a chance to slow down, gather with the people we love and enjoy time together at home.

This Matariki, we asked a few of our A&C team to share what the holiday means to them and how they will be spending it with their families this year.

What does Matariki mean to you and your family?

Jess: For our family, Matariki is a reminder to slow down and make time to be together. Life can get really busy, so it's a chance to enjoy each other's company and appreciate quality time together.

Ann: Matariki is one of my favourite NZ holidays! As an expat from the UK, this moment to pause and think of family, past and present, means a lot.

Abbe: I love that Matariki gives us a chance to slow down and spend time together as a family. There’s also something nice about celebrating in the middle of winter, knowing the days are only going to get lighter and (hopefully) warmer.

How will you be spending Matariki this year?

Jess: We’ll be keeping it pretty simple. If the weather is good, we'll head out for a local bush walk before coming home to cook and share a special meal.

Ann: My kids' first bonfire in a friend's backyard, a family day with my sister and then watching England hopefully progress in the World Cup. Go England!

Abbe: This year we are taking a family holiday to the South Island with friends and meeting up with family who live down there. We are staying in Methven, a super cute wee town, and taking our kids skiing for the first time. There has just been the first big dump of snow, and we are super excited for a day on the snow followed by the hot pools afterwards.

Is there a Matariki tradition you have started with your own family?

Jess: We've started making a shared evening meal a tradition. Nothing too elaborate, it's a simple way to bring everyone together and mark the occasion.

Ann: Matariki Breakfast at my boys' school is one of my favs. Being outside, under the stars, the children harmonising in song and then hot chocolate for brekkie. It's the best.

Abbe: Not so much a tradition, but slowing down and planning a family activity where we do something together. The day often lands in the school holidays, which is a bonus. I hope it’s something the kids will look back on and remember as they get older.

What does gathering around the table look like in your home?

Jess: Now that my kids are older, everyone gets involved. We share the cooking, with each person contributing a favourite dish. It makes the meal feel like a team effort and I love that everyone has a part to play.

Ann: So much food! It's a feast every time. Shared plates, fresh platters, dips and nibbles from all over the world.

Abbe: For my family, it’s sitting around the table and sharing the same meal (IYKYK with kids!! Lolz) and sharing our rocks and diamonds of the day - which is the best part and the hardest part of our day. It’s a nice way to hear what’s going on in everyone’s world.

What is something from the past year you feel grateful for?

Jess: I'm grateful for the time we've been able to spend together as a family. As the kids get older, I appreciate those moments together even more. Family dinners, weekends together, getting out for a walk, or just having everyone home at the same time. Those are the moments that end up meaning the most.

Ann: Quality time with family and friends. Plus, art therapy. It has been life-changing.

Abbe: I’m grateful for friends and family. The people I love the most and who fill my cup.

What are you looking forward to in the year ahead?

Jess: I'm looking forward to making more memories together as a family, continuing to spend time outdoors and seeing what the next chapter brings for all of us. If we can keep finding time to slow down and be together, I'll be happy.

Ann: Full immersion into the beautiful world of A&C, then sharing everything with you all!

Abbe: I am looking forward to some planned upcoming family holidays this year. Last year we didn’t stop enough, and as the kids get older, time just seems to go so fast. I’m really looking forward to slowing down and having some proper time together as a family.