Aku whakaaro huritao – Leigh Takirau // Kaihautū Māori Manager

As the year winds down, it’s a natural and much-needed time to hit the pause button. We get a chance to look back at what we’ve achieved and what challenges we’ve faced, and then look ahead with fresh hope and renewed focus. This time isn’t just about a calendar change; it’s a dedicated period for truly recharging and resetting. When we take the time to restore our physical energy (tinana), clear our minds and emotions (hinengaro), and reconnect spiritually (wairua), we’re always strongly reminded of the core things that keep us going. Our families (whānau), both immediate and wider, and the amazing, vibrant natural world (te taiao) are our anchors, keeping us grounded, connected, and deeply rooted in who we are.

Our mahi (work), much like nature’s own continuous cycles, is never really “done”; it’s an ongoing commitment and a journey of service. We fully embrace this by constantly, patiently, and humbly observing our environment (taiao). This deep connection happens in so many ways: maybe it’s an invigorating walk through the old, whispering forest (ngahere); the powerful, cleansing experience of a swim in the huge, open ocean (moana); the peaceful act of looking up at the countless guiding stars (ngā whetū); or simply soaking up the healing warmth and vital energy of the sun (Tama-nui-te-rā).

This observation is basically our best teacher, a continuous lesson in how to be resilient and adapt. As we move into the Matiti summer periods, marked by heat and changing weather, we’re keeping a close eye on the shifts. We’re ready for Hine Raumati (the personification of summer) to keep surprising us with her unpredictable beauty and intensity. It’s a great reminder to stay flexible and respect forces bigger than ourselves. That’s the lasting wisdom of te taiao. It’s a mirror showing us our own constant growth and the necessity of keeping things in balance.