ACC kaimahi draw inspiration from Matariki
Inspired by the Māori New Year, some of our kaimahi (employees) have taken the opportunity to share matauranga (knowledge) of the maramataka (calendar) and incorporate it into their mahi (work).
The Māori calendar begins with the reappearance of Matariki, which Aotearoa observed and celebrated on 14 July this year. But the Māori New Year is only one aspect of the maramataka (calendar) that our forebearers took direction from.
The maramataka is the traditional Māori calendar, which follows phases of the moon. Instead of following the movement of the sun throughout the year, iwi across Aotearoa noted the movements of the moon. Depending on which iwi, a year would be marked by 12 or 13 lunar cycles.
Historically, Māori would consult the maramataka for almost all activities. For example, some days were better for planting, fishing or even conducting rituals. The maramataka also marked significant occasions such as Matariki and other seasonal festivities.
Some ACC kaimahi (employees) have been sharing their matauranga (knowledge) of the maramataka by incorporating this in their mahi (work) at ACC wherever possible.
ACC Māori Health Lead Kylie Bryant says the maramataka has guided her tupuna (ancestors) for generations.
“I’ve been reclaiming this knowledge and tikanga, and have found the maramataka can guide me in the way that I engage with others and give great insight into energy levels,” she says.
ACC Māori Health Lead Kylie Bryant.
Integrating this knowledge into everyday life
One way this tikanga (custom) has been incorporated into mahi at ACC is when planning a wānanga (forum).
Pinepine te Kura is a wānanga about nurturing the taonga (treasures), matauranga and kōrero tuku iho (stories of the past) that have been gifted to us by our ancestors. It is a kaupapa Māori wānanga that inspires participants to thrive and draws on matauranga and taonga Māori, so they are able to utilise traditional tools to support their work.
A total of 18 women from ACC’s Māori Health and Pae Ora teams gathered at Hui Te Rangiora Marae in Kirikiroa (Hamilton) for two days where they learnt and shared knowledge about traditional tikanga (customs) such as the maramataka, as well as the following:
- Understanding the Atua (Māori gods), so kaimahi (employees) will be better equipped to connect with iwi, hapū, whānau and kiritaki Māori (Māori clients).
- The art of meditation, to support the skill of analytical and critical thinking when designing, planning or implementing strategies that benefit kiritaki Māori.
- Creating their own pākē, a rough cape made of undressed leaves of kiekie or flax.
“When planning this wānanga, we began as much as we could with guidance from tikanga Māori. Te Maramataka Maaori started our thinking as in when and what outcomes could be achieved,” Kylie says.
The organisers chose dates that fell within the phase just before Te Rākaunui, or full moon phase – the time of Mawharu, Ohua and Atua Whakahaehae.
“Prior to Mawharu is an interesting phase of our maramataka, Tamatea, where we move with caution and pack all our rauemi or resources to keep us well and increase flexible thinking to ensure successful interactions and positive behaviours,” Kylie says.
Kelly Spriggs, Relationship Manager for Māori Health Services, says attendees were encouraged to talk with their whānau and do their own research about the maramataka in the lead up to the wānanga, not only to learn more but to support their cultural safety.
“We don’t assume we’re experts in this kaupapa, but it’s something we’re learning and take comfort from following,” she says.
“Many of our fellow kaimahi (colleagues) had previously asked us to share what we knew, which we are happy to do – but we want to ensure they don’t just take our word for it. In doing their own research, they may be able to find out what their own whānau followed or know – because it might be different.”
A positive response to engaging wānanga
Kylie and Kelly both admit the wānanga required long days but attendees were energetic throughout, absorbing the knowledge and contributing to kōrero (discussion).
“Despite the late nights and very early morning, everyone was engaged and participated fully,” Kelly says.
And the attendees agree, with evaluations received in the days following highlighting the gratitude in the kaupapa and insights gained, for example the following:
“Mātauranga is so precious, and I think everyone in attendance is very lucky. There were tangible taonga we were able to take home with us but the knowledge, stories, hiitori and mātauranga we took away from this could be life-changing in terms of how we use it.”
“I’ve worked at ACC for a few years now, and I must say that Pinepine te Kura was the absolute two best days in ACC I’ve had.”
Further online wānanga have also been held, to support the continuation of learning and implanting matauranga Māori.
“That’s how we need to roll tikanga into an ever-evolving world – ā-tinana (in person) on the right marama can set us up for success when we can’t share the haa (breath) together further along the journey,” Kylie says.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge illuminated with lights to celebrate Matariki.
ACC valuing this matauranga
ACC is a committed Treaty of Waitangi partner and with the introduction of our new enterprise strategy, Huakina te Rā, we recognise the importance of developing and building the cultural capability of ACC.
The Pinepine te Kura wānanga allowed kaimahi to build and grow their own mātauranga Māori, to support ACC to achieve the goals and aspirations of Huakina te Rā, in a way that was traditional and tika (right).
“ACC values knowledge and tikanga,” Kylie says.
“Working for an organisation that provides space to share and work within that is special.”
More information on the Huakina Te Rā 10-year strategy is available on the ACC website.
