Guided by Matariki, it’s the perfect time to prepare ahead

Ko Matariki te whetū hei arataki e
A tutuki noa ki te mutunga
Puritia ngā tohutohu o te wā
Kia manawanui, kia rangimarie.
                        Na Tuini Ngāwai

Matariki is the star that guides us
To pursue our aspirations to fruition
Take heed of the signs before us
(So that we may) be resolute and at peace
                         by Tuini Ngāwai

Te reo Māori version

Matariki has risen, bringing with it many signs for the year. This is a time to acknowledge and appreciate the many gifts of the past year, but also a time to look forward to the coming year. It is a time to send off our loved ones to sit in the sky as stars. A time to share our harvest, offering the first fruits of the year to the heavens. A time to study intently the myriad of stars and their many signs, to prepare for the year ahead. Tihei mauri ora!

Matariki is a constellation of stars known also as Pleaides. It is a constellation that is clearly seen during winter. It is the perfect time to observe the signs intently, so that we may understand what the year ahead may look like and plan, indeed prepare, for the future.

Matariki is the perfect time to reflect on the many challenges and successes of the previous year, and to also plan for the many opportunities that lie ahead. What are the aspirations that we can plan for during this time of Matariki?

The Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022 was passed recently. Aotearoa now has a national holiday to celebrate Matariki as the beginning of the Māori new year. This celebration is guided by three major principles; to remember, to celebrate and to look forward. This is a perfect time to make observations of the past year, but to also plan carefully for the challenges that may lie ahead.

One of the observations made during this time has been the common nature of people to look after each other. I wonder how could we use this observation to support our understanding of financial capability and how to plan ahead for retirement? Matariki is the perfect time to discuss our financial wellbeing and set a course that will put us all in the best position for us and our families in the future.

However, it is not an easy journey, by far. If we think about our current costs of living or the debt we carry, what are some strategies to ensure that we can meet those financial obligations? Sorted provides a useful range of guides, blogs and tools to help you to build a good financial plan, including a goal planner, a budgeting tool and a debt calculator.

So as we take the time to study Matariki and the signs it brings, we should also take the time to study and plan for our financial future. Why is this important? Because it will help us to prepare for what lies ahead, and for the wellbeing of us all.

And as our kōkā Tuini reminds us, let’s take hold of the many signs before us. Signs that will guide us to be resolute and to be at peace.