Unison Celebrates Local Heroes and Loved Ones this Māori New Year

Lines company, Unison is shining a light on ‘community stars’ this Māori new year by calling for nominations from its Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Rotorua communities.

"Who has made a difference in your world this year, and makes it better with their contributions to the community, support in times of need, or daily sparkle?

"It could be anyone - from a family member to a friend, neighbour or colleague.

"Now is your chance to take a moment to reflect on the year that has been, celebrate that special person in your life and show them how much their efforts mean to you," said Unison General Manager Commercial, Jason Larkin.

Community members can nominate deserving individuals by leaving a comment on Unison's Facebook or Instagram pinned post, and every comment enters the nominee into a prize draw to win one of three $150 vouchers.

This month, Aotearoa will celebrate Matariki, one of the signs that marks the beginning of the Māori new year on Friday 14 July, but across the motu every iwi honours Matariki at a time when the constellation rises for them in their area. In Hawke’s Bay, Unison has been proud to support Matariki celebrations through the Ātea a Rangi Educational Trust (Ātea Trust), a charitable trust that offers educational programmes, cultural tours and events for schools on traditional Māori and environmental principles.

During the Ātea Trust’s recent week-long Māori new year celebrations (June 19 - 23 2023), Unison staff attended several events organised by the Trust, such as visiting the whare whetū planetarium to learn more about signs of the Māori new year and attending morning kōrero by local waka navigators at dawn.

"Our partnership with the Ātea Trust highlights our shared commitment to celebrating Māori culture and promoting education. We are thrilled to support the Trust in delivering their fantastic education programme to the young people of Hawke's Bay," Mr Larkin said.