Matariki and Native Trees: A Living Legacy

He wā whakamaumahara, he wā whakakotahi (Celebrating legacy, remembering loved ones, planting for the future)

As Matariki rose in the midwinter sky, communities across Aotearoa paused to reflect on the year that had passed. Whānau gathered, kai was shared, and stories were retold beneath the stars that guide us through remembrance, celebration and renewal. This year’s Matariki season offered a clear reminder of how deeply connected we are — to each other, to our whenua, and to the living world that carries our stories forward.

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Across the motu, tree planting continued to be a meaningful part of the season. Many people marked Matariki by choosing native trees that would grow into long-lasting reminders of loved ones, new beginnings and shared moments. It was a quiet but powerful expression of the values at the heart of Matariki: honouring the past, celebrating the present and preparing the ground for the future.

From an observational view, three native species stood out for the way they brought colour, presence and symbolism into gardens and landscapes.

METROSIDEROS umbellata – Compact Southern Rātā

Metrosideros umbellata - Southern Rata in flower - Fernhill Dec 2024

A tree of courage, colour and remembrance

Metrosideros umbellata 80lt Jan 2025 (3)
Metrosideros umbellata 80L

Southern Rātā, with its brilliant scarlet flowers, brought a sense of brightness to midwinter planting. Its compact form made it a natural choice for smaller spaces, where it becomes a vivid focal point and a living reminder of loved ones. The nectar-rich blooms also drew native manu into gardens, adding movement and life to places of reflection.

PODOCARPUS tōtara – NZ Native Tōtara

Podocarpus totara Aurea - Southland Hospital - April 2025 (3)

A guardian of legacy and connection

Podocarpus totara 80lt Jan 2025 (1)
Podocarpus tōtara 80L

Tōtara’s strong, enduring presence made it a standout for those wanting a tree that will hold its place for generations. Its dark, dense foliage and steady growth give it a sense of permanence in the landscape. As a legacy tree, Tōtara continues to represent connection across time — a quiet anchor between past, present and future.

SOPHORA microphylla – NZ Native Kōwhai

Sophora

A tree of joy, renewal and celebration

Sophora 30lt RP May 2025
Sophora microphylla 30L

Kōwhai’s golden Spring flowers remain one of the most uplifting sights in any garden. Even when planted in midwinter, Kōwhai carries the promise of renewal. Its soft, semi-weeping form and bright blossoms bring warmth and optimism, making it a meaningful choice for celebrating new chapters or welcoming new members of the whānau.

Why planting natives during Matariki matters:

  • It strengthens whānau connections and shared traditions
  • It honours loved ones and acknowledges whakapapa
  • It supports biodiversity and the mauri of the whenua
  • It creates living legacies that grow more meaningful each year
  • It celebrates the present while preparing for the future

Matariki reminds us that every tree planted is an act of aroha – a gift to the land, to our communities and to generations yet to come.

Download our Top 10 NZ Native Trees Guide

Meaningful choices for remembrance, celebration and legacy

Explore our curated list of ten exceptional native trees – each chosen for their beauty, resilience and long-term value in the landscape.
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