Matariki is a time to pause.

It invites us to remember those who have come before us, celebrate what we have today, and look ahead with hope for the future. This year also marks the fifth year since Matariki became a public holiday in Aotearoa, with the 2026 theme, Matariki Herenga Waka ("Matariki for everyone"), recognising that these traditions belong to everyone who calls New Zealand home.

Whether your whānau marks the Māori New Year through the rising of Matariki or Puanga, this season is an opportunity to reconnect with what matters most and think about the year ahead.

For generations, this season has been a time to reflect on the harvest that sustained communities and prepare for the seasons to come. Today, our harvest may look different, but the principle remains the same. Looking after your financial wellbeing isn't just about growing wealth; it's about creating opportunities, providing security, and helping your whānau thrive.

Inspired by the meanings of the nine stars of Matariki, here are nine practical ways to reflect on your own financial journey this Māori New Year.

Matariki

Reflect on your financial journey

Traditionally associated with health, wellbeing, hope and bringing people together, Matariki reminds us to take stock before looking ahead.

Take action (hohenga): Write down three financial wins you're proud of from the past year, and three lessons you've learnt. Maybe you've paid off debt, built an emergency fund, started investing, or simply become more confident managing your money. Celebrate your progress and think about what you'd like to improve next.

Waipunarangi

Think about what wealth really means

Waipunarangi represents the relationship between water and the cycle of life. Water rises from our lakes, rivers and oceans before returning as rain to nourish Papatūānuku, reminding us that giving and receiving are connected. Wealth isn't measured by money alone - it's also found in the relationships we build, the time we share, and the way we care for those around us.

Take action (hohenga): Spend a few minutes thinking about what being "wealthy" means to you. Is it financial security? Time with your whānau? Good health? The freedom to travel? Your financial plan should support the life you want to live—not just grow a bank balance.

Tupuārangi

Grow your earning potential

Associated with food and growth above the ground, Tupuārangi signifies renewal of our nature, and reminds us that one of our greatest financial assets is often our ability to earn.

Take action (hohenga): What's one way you could increase your earning potential over the next year? Whether that's asking for a pay rise, developing a new skill, starting a side hustle or investing in your career, write down one realistic goal to work towards.

Waitī

Follow where your money flows

Waitī represents freshwater and the life it sustains. Just as rivers follow a course, so does your money.

Take action (hohenga): Review your budget or create one if you haven't already. Understanding what's coming in and what's going out is one of the simplest ways to build better financial habits and free up money for your future goals.

Waitā

Protect your financial future

Waitā, Waitī's twin, watches over the ocean and the kai gathered from salt water. Just as Waitā reminds us to care for the treasures of our oceans, it's also a reminder to protect and nurture the financial resources that support our future.

Take action (hohenga): Organise your money into different "buckets" for everyday spending, emergency savings, short-term goals and long-term investing. Having a clear system makes it easier to stay on track and avoid dipping into money you've set aside for the future.

Tupuānuku

Nurture what you're growing

Tupuānuku is connected to kai grown from the earth, a reminder that what we nurture today shapes tomorrow's harvest.

As the legend goes, the brighter Tupuānuku shines in the sky when Matariki rises, the more kai will grow within the soil, ready to be harvested in the coming year. 

Take action (hohenga): Check whether your KiwiSaver and investments still match your goals and your comfort with risk. Your circumstances change over time, and your investment strategy should evolve with them.

Ururangi

Stay the course

Ururangi is associated with the winds and reminds us that while we can't control the conditions around us, we can control how we respond.

Market ups and downs are a normal part of investing, but successful investing isn't about reacting to every headline. It's about staying focused on your long-term goals.

Take action (hohenga): Ask yourself whether your current KiwiSaver fund still suits your time horizon. If you're decades away from retirement, remember that short-term market movements are simply part of the journey.

Pōhutukawa

Think about the legacy you want to leave 

Pōhutukawa is the star of remembrance, encouraging us to honour those who have passed by reflecting on their lives and the legacy they leave behind. It reminds us that the impact we have on others often lasts far beyond our own lifetime.

Take action (hohenga): Reflect on what – and who – is most important to you. What kind of legacy would you like to leave for your whānau and future generations? Whether it's helping the people closest to you, creating opportunities for those who come after you, or leaving a stronger financial foundation, take a moment to consider what you'd like to be remembered for.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi

Turn your goals into a plan

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi is the star of hopes, dreams and aspirations. It's the perfect reminder that goals become far more achievable when you have a plan.

Take action (hohenga): Choose one financial goal to focus on over the coming year. Whether it's buying your first home, growing your KiwiSaver, paying off debt or building an emergency fund, break it down into small, achievable steps and commit to taking the first one today.

A fresh start for the year ahead

Matariki reminds us that meaningful progress doesn't happen overnight. Whether your goal is building your KiwiSaver, buying your first home, becoming debt free or simply feeling more confident with your money, small, consistent actions can make a big difference over time.

However you choose to celebrate Matariki this year, we hope it gives you the opportunity to pause, reflect, and look ahead with confidence.

Mānawatia a Matariki from all of us at Kōura.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure accuracy and reliability, the information provided is subject to continuous change and may not reflect current developments or address your situation. Before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article, please use your discretion and seek independent guidance.