Speaking to the Front Page podcast, author and host of the Flava Breakfast show Stacey Morrison says the message is universal. "The values of Matariki are very much in tune with our environment," says Morrison. Morrison also notes that the celebration of the return of the Matariki constellation in the winter night sky serves as a reminder of our place in the world. Thankfulness is central to the Matariki celebration, but Morrison doesn't align with former National MP Paula Bennett's suggestion that the public holiday should become the New Zealand equivalent of Thanksgiving. Morrison says that adverts and company messages can actually add to the day if they take care to reflect the compassion and respect implicit in Matariki.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 23, 2022 22:17 UTC