Matariki’s Green Legacy: Trees, Renewal and Tradition

Matariki, the Māori New Year, offers a moment of reflection and forward planning as the Matariki star cluster (the Pleiades) marks its midwinter rise. In the professional realm, this period is recognised not only as a time to review past achievements and challenges but also as a catalyst for renewed commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The season carries a sacred quality; a reminder of our whakapapa, linking the present generation with the heritage of our ancestors.

Planting native trees during Matariki has come to symbolise more than mere horticultural activity; it is an act imbued with spiritual meaning. The traditional practice of te whakato rākau is both a commitment to nurture life and a deliberate investment in the continued vitality of Aotearoa. In a manner that honours the life force, or mauri, inherent in every living thing, professionals and community leaders alike engage in tree planting as a means of sustaining the region’s biodiversity and reinforcing a connection to the spiritual essence.

The choice of native species reflects both environmental priorities and cultural significance. Like those used in the Queenstown CBD Streetscape:

Tī Kōuka

Cordyline australis Queenstown CBD

With its striking, sword-like leaves, exemplifies resilience and the enduring beauty of Aotearoa. Its presence in the landscape is a constant reminder of the strength inherent in our natural heritage.

Cordyline australis & Phyllocladus alpinus

CORDYLINE australis NZ Native Cabbage Tree – Tī Kōuka & PHYLLOCLADUS alpinus
– NZ Celery Pine, Native Mountain Toatoa (Queenstown CBD)

CORDYLINE australis NZ Native Cabbage Tree – Tī Kōuka

Toatoa

Phyllocladus alpinus - Queenstown Streetscape - January 2025

Offers quiet elegance, its form evoking the timeless wisdom of ancient forests and echoing the subtle yet persistent flow of life.

Phyllocladus alpinus - Queenstown Streetscape - January 2025

PHYLLOCLADUS alpinus – NZ Celery Pine, Native Mountain Toatoa (Queenstown CBD)

With special recognition to Micah and Natural Habitats install team.

Phyllocladus alpinus in flower October 2024

PHYLLOCLADUS alpinus – NZ Celery Pine, Native Mountain Toatoa

Kōwhai

Sophora - Queenstown

Celebrated for its vibrant blossoms, symbolises hope and the promise of renewal – reflecting a future that honours both tradition and progressive environmental practice.

SOPHORA microphylla – NZ Native Fine-Leaved Kōwhai and Tui

Mercy Hospital Sophora

SOPHORA microphylla – Memorial Tree (Supplied by Easy Big Trees)

Each sapling planted during Matariki is more than a physical addition to the environment; it represents a thoughtful, strategic commitment to a sustainable future. This act of planting is increasingly recognised in professional circles as a tangible way to balance modern development with a deep respect for natural and cultural heritage, bridging conventional environmental management with Māori spiritual perspectives.

Community engagement is central to this commitment. Organised planting initiatives not only help to enhance urban and rural landscapes but also promote a collective understanding of environmental stewardship, as communities come together to nurture native saplings, they reaffirm a shared responsibility for Aotearoa’s future. Within a blend of cultural celebration and scientifically informed planning, Matariki provides an opportunity to harmonise practical, sustainable solutions with the spiritual values that have long guided Māori relationships.

King's Birthday Aurora Australis

Aurora Australis

Check out these links for upcoming Auroras and further information:

https://auroraalert.otago.ac.nz/aurora/index.html
https://aurorareach.com/places/nz/invercargill
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NZDarkSkies/

Harry Winter planting tips: One way to keep your hands warm in Winter is to keep them busy with some planting! It might sound like a strange time to do this but we’re operating on nature’s timeline here, and nature is making sure the soil is moist, while keeping bugs and plant diseases at bay. Your new plants will appreciate the time getting used to their new home before Spring kicks in.
Harry Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Tips: It's true alright. Some work now will reap a bountiful harvest next Summer, when you really do get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The key is to stick to the 3 D's of pruning, getting rid of anything that's dead, diseased or damaged. Go about your work on a dry day and wear a few layers, so you can take them off as needed. Different fruit trees need to be pruned slightly differently but in general, just remember to not get too carried away. Trimming back by about 20% is a good rule of thumb.
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