Kia ū ki ngā moemoeā
Matariki is the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, and its rise in the mid-winter sky marks the beginning of the Māori New Year — a celebration deeply woven into the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand. It's a time to pause and reflect, to honour those we've lost, and to look forward with renewed creativity and intention. Since becoming an official public holiday in 2022, Matariki is now a cherished moment for all New Zealanders to come together, create, and celebrate what makes this place so special.
This dreamcatcher represents Matariki and the special time to pause, reflect, and look ahead. As a season of he wā o te tīmatanga hou (new beginnings), it reminds us that light returns after darkness, bringing hope, fresh opportunities, and new dreams.
Dreamcatchers are traditionally believed to filter dreams, holding onto the good and letting the negative pass through. To me, they speak to hope, healing, and connection. Matariki carries many of those same feelings, which is why I chose a dreamcatcher to represent the Māori New Year.
At the heart of this piece is Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the star connected to our hopes, dreams, and wishes for the year ahead. During Matariki, Hiwa-i-te-rangi reminds us to imagine something more, set our intentions and to believe our dreams are worth following.
This reflects Matariki Manako Nui, looking to the future with hope, setting intentions for the new year, and focusing on growth. For me, this dreamcatcher holds that feeling. It marks the beginning of bringing a long-held creative dream to life, starting Escape to Creativity, sharing my creativity and something meaningful with others. I’m just starting out, but I’m dreaming big and choosing to grow into the possibilities ahead.
This Matariki, this dreamcatcher is a gentle reminder to hold onto our dreams, trust in what is still to come, and keep moving forward, one step, one star at a time.
Kia ū ki ngā moemoeā - Hold fast to your dreams 🌟
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