Issue 96

NGĀ HAU E WHĀ
FROM THE EDITORIAL TEAM

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Moving through Matariki, a sacred time of remembrance and new beginnings, it’s a privilege to share stories that honour the deep connections between whānau, whenua and the generations who have come before. Our cover story celebrates the beauty of the celestial Matariki pou in Murihiku. Each pou stands as a marker in the landscape, representing a whetū of the Matariki constellation – a quiet reminder of the enduring connection to the stars and the natural world. Their silent strength embodies whakapapa and continuity that flows through the takiwā.

Kaituhi Nic Low shares recent archaeological discovery in Moeraki. This connection to the whenua grounds and reminds us that history lies beneath our feet, shaping our identity. With climate change threatening coastal marae and whenua, this mahi takes on urgent meaning. As a coastal people, Kāi Tahu know all too well the shifting tides that reshape
the land. Preserving these stories and sites is a vital act of protection – for
the past and the future.

Since the last issue, our TE KARAKA whānau have been reminded of the fragile,
sacred rhythms that bind us – the delicate balance between life and death,
loss and renewal. For many of us grief walks quietly alongside. Reflecting on
and sharing our own personal journeys, we engaged kaituhi Anna Brankin to
explore the revitalisation of tangihanga. Through the stories of Jymal Morgan
and funeral director Betsy Williams, strength is found in shared memory and
the renewal of tradition, allowing whānau to grieve fully and authentically in
today’s world. While colonisation has altered many customs, the essence remains:
tangihanga is for the living – a sacred space for whānau to gather, remember
and heal.

As Matariki fades and the days lengthen, these reflections deepen an appreciation
for the ways in which life’s cycles are honoured. The lessons of renewal, remembrance,
and hope continue to light the path forward.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa
Nā ADRIENNE ANDERSON-WAAKA
me SASCHA WALL