Home / Journal / Matariki

Matariki mā Puanga

Takurua is a significant period for tangata whenua. It’s when Matariki mā Puanga, the Māori New Year, approaches, and it’s therefore particularly timely to celebrate tangata whenua and their experiences.

Matariki mā Puanga, which occurs between late June and early July, is the rising of a set of stars that traditionally guided Māori with harvesting. The Māori New Year is informed by the traditional lunar calendar, also known as the maramataka, and has provided whānau in the past, and still does, with the tools to know when to harvest, and how to prepare for the year ahead.

Like the constellations, in our day-to-day lives we often cluster together around points of commonality – our families, clubs, workplaces, hometowns or shared cultures. Whilst we all find valuable connection in shared experiences, at Shepherdess we strive to create a space where wāhine around the motu can share their individual journeys with others and have a moment to shine.

We created this page to act as a space for our indigenous stories, and each Matariki mā Puanga we will update this to revisit stories from over the past year.

Wool-handler Esther Kidd throws a fleece during shearing

Shear Strength

Catherine Mullooly (Ngaa Rauru Kiitahi, Ngāti Kahungunu), mother of two and women’s shearing champion, has loved shearing from a young age.

Medicine at the Mill

A GP at the Kawerau and Tokoroa timber mills, Dr. Sarah Gardiner, took over the in-house clinic when it was about to close. Sarah (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Te Aupōuri, Te Paatu) is also a mum of three tamariki and has since ventured into telehealth to bolster medical support for remote workers.

Takakau – Flat Bread

Every culture has their own version of a flat bread, usually served to scoop up curries and soups, or to wrap slow-cooked meat topped with fresh salad and sauces.

Jessica & Courtney

Jessica Chamberlain and her sister Courtney (Ngāi Tahu) are the sixth generation of their family at Hadstock Farm in Selwyn and the third generation to have attended St Margaret’s College in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

Umu Pulled Pork with Orange and Garlic

Cooking the pork with freshly squeezed orange juice makes for melt-in your-mouth succulent, tender meat. Of course, this doesn’t have to be cooked underground – it’s just as delicious cooked in the oven.

The Road Home

For Tracey Perkins (Ngāpuhi, Raukawa), cultural identity has been a lifelong journey. There is so much loss behind stories of reconnection, but for Tracey and her family, getting through the tough years has landed them in the best days of their lives so far.