Matariki Herenga Waka – Gathering Around the Table

Matariki is a time for gathering. A time to reflect on the year that has passed, celebrate the present, and plan for the future . It’s also a time to come together around the table, sharing food and stories with those we love.

The theme for Matariki 2026 is Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone, a theme of unity, inclusion, and shared journey . It reminds us that we are all on this waka together, navigating the seasons of life as one community.

At Parakai Honey,

we believe there is nothing better than warming up around the table with whānau and sweet, local kai. That’s why this week, we’re celebrating the tradition of sharing food during Matariki – a practice that connects us to the land, to each other, and to the stars.

The Hautapu ceremony is a central part of Matariki, where the steam of cooked food is offered to the stars as a gesture of gratitude and remembrance . It’s a beautiful reminder that food is not just sustenance – it’s a way to honour our ancestors, celebrate our harvest, and strengthen the bonds between us.

This Matariki, we invite you to gather your whānau, prepare something warm and nourishing, and share it with the people who matter most. And if you’re looking for a touch of sweetness, our mānuka honey is the perfect way to finish any meal – whether drizzled over fresh fruit, stirred into a warm cuppa, or glazed over something special.

Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone. ✨

Kia pai tō Matariki.