9 Jul 2026
The 2026 Matariki theme, Matariki Herenga Waka, reflects Aotearoa as a place where many journeys meet, drawing on the idea of Tāmaki (greater Auckland) as a gathering place for many people and cultures. It also acknowledges the connection between Tāmaki, Matariki and waka (canoes). It highlights inclusion, shared knowledge and coming together.
Rāmere te 10 o Hūrae (Friday 10 July) marks Te Mātahi o te Tau – the Māori New Year.
So, how is the profession celebrating?
We reached out to members of our engineering hāpori (community) with three questions.
Explore their answers and take time to reflect, reconnect and look ahead. You might even find inspiration for your own Matariki celebrations.
Deena Tapara Luke (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hauaroa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Ati Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi )
Project Manager, Pou Tikanga – Stellar Projects
Member of Papaki Parihau
What does Matariki mean to you?
“To me Matariki and Puanga signals the middle of winter and the preparation of my vege gardens for the spring season ahead. The winter solstice has passed, we have just passed through Rākaunui (full moon phase) and although the days are still cold, I’m busy prepping garden beds whenever the weather allows and organising my seeds in between. I’m tending to my drying hue whilst keeping up with the kids’ winter sports and keeping the home fire burning and the whare warm. We are very busy, but we are in a solid routine and in a state of solid and steady productivity. I have upcoming hue and raranga wānanga that I’m looking forward to, to fill my own kete or fill my cup.”
How does Matariki connect to your work or your journey in Aotearoa?
“Since its ‘revitalisation’ in the public and mainstream space, Matariki is widely celebrated across Aotearoa by all communities. It is great to see it acknowledged widely and warmly. Having the public holiday for Matariki allows everyone to take an extra day of rest – no matter how they wish to spend it – or cashing in some time and a half if not taking it off.”
What does “coming together” mean to you in the context of Matariki?
“Our Iwi and our community are hosting a number of events during the July Matariki/Puanga season including a Hautapu Ceremony at our awa followed by breakfast at our marae, a local Primary School is hosting a Matariki Twilight Market for kai stalls and other fundraising – supporting aspirations of future kaupapa, our Rūnanga is hosting a Matariki Disco for our Tamariki. All these events bring us together as an Iwi and as a Community to celebrate together, ahakoa ko wai, no matter who. I will be taking my tamariki to these events kia whakakotahi ai ki te taha o ā rātou hoa, me a rātou whānau, to come together with their friends and family.”
Kennie Tsui FEngNZ, CPEng, IntPE(NZ) / APEC Engineer
President Engineering New Zealand
CE of the New Zealand Geothermal Association
What does Matariki mean to you?
“Matariki is an important time for me to pause, reflect, and look ahead with purpose. I value taking time for quiet reflection, particularly during my early morning walks in the Wellington hills as the sun rises. Those moments allow me to have a one-on-one conversation with myself—to appreciate the past year, acknowledge what I have learned, and think about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Matariki reminds me that reflection is an essential part of both personal and professional growth.”
How does Matariki connect to your work or your journey in Aotearoa?
“Matariki also connects deeply with my journey in Aotearoa through my work in New Zealand's geothermal sector. I have been privileged to learn new kupu (words) in te reo Māori, and more importantly, the stories and mātauranga behind them. One example is waiwhatu, a word used to describe geothermal energy. Rather than simply referring to water, it describes fluid from the heart of Papatūānuku—the Earth's core—woven through the inside of the Earth before emerging at the surface. Learning these concepts has given me a much deeper appreciation of the Māori worldview and has enriched both my professional understanding and my personal connection to Aotearoa.”
What does “coming together” mean to you in the context of Matariki?
“To me, one of the most meaningful aspects of Matariki is coming together. It is a time to reconnect with whānau, friends, colleagues, and communities, to share stories, learn from one another, and strengthen relationships. I also enjoy meeting new people and hearing about their experiences and perspectives. Those conversations build understanding and remind us that while we each have our own journeys, we are stronger when we come together with openness, respect, and generosity.
Mānawatia a Matariki.”
Wiripo Ritchie
Waikato Young Engineers Vice-Chair
Geotechnical Engineer at Tonkin & Taylor
What does Matariki mean to you?
“He wā whakahirahira a Matariki hei maumahara, hei whakanui i te hunga kua whetūrangitia. He wā hoki tēnei ki te whakakotahi i te whānau me ngā hoa, ki te whakanui i ngā mea pai o nāianei, ā, ki te whakatakoto wawata mō te tau hou.
Matariki is a meaningful time to remember and honour those who have passed on. It is also a chance to come together with whānau, celebrate the present, and set goals for the year ahead.”
Phil Aitofi
Wonder Project Advisor
Engineering New Zealand kaimahi
What does Matariki mean to you?
“For our whānau, Matariki is a way to live out the wisdom of mātauranga Māori; in the depths of a cold and dreary Wellington winter, it makes sense for us to pause and reflect on the past with gratitude, enjoy the present moment with each other, and look forward to the future with hope.”
William Nieuwenhuis
Operations Manager, Nelson Tasman Regional Landfill Services
Nelson-Marlborough Branch Chair
What does “coming together” mean to you in the context of Matariki?
“My family has always made a point of coming together midwinter, a tradition that has naturally evolved into our Matariki celebrations. We acknowledge our loved ones. Take time to reflect. Eat too much. More recently, the community celebrations have become something I really look forward too. It great to see their growth and support. How they celebrate our unique culture and they connect a diverse range of people through the globally relevant principles of Matariki. He aha te mea nui o te ao?”
Josy Cooper BE, CPEng, CMEngNZ
Principal Civil Engineer, Above Water
Waikato Branch Treasurer
What does “coming together” mean to you in the context of Matariki?
“For our family, coming together at Matariki means heading up to the observatory to watch the stars, taking the kids on a bush walk (weather permitting), and generally slowing down to reflect on the year and think about what's ahead. It's a good excuse to spend proper time together outdoors.”
Want to learn more about Matariki and how you can celebrate?
Engineers work with whenua (land), wai (water), and ngā rangi (skies). Learn about the stars of Matariki and their engineering connection. Find out more
Want to learn about what’s being done to embed Te Ao Māori into the engineering profession?
Check out Kimihia Rangahaua – our strategy designed to embed Te Ao Māori into our work, our organisation and the profession.
