The Rev’d Ivica Gregurec

9:30 am, Sunday 12 July 2026, Matariki

Matariki is a cluster of many stars. This cluster of stars signifies a framework upon which Māori life and the whole yearly cycle of life, was built. It was so important that Māori would acknowledge the appearance of Matariki to signify the end of one year, the end of what had
happened in the past, and the beginning of the new year with all its promise, hope, and goodness that the impending season would bring.
We light nine candles now and remember as we do name of
each of the stars and reflect on that star’s significance.

The first candle
Ki a Matariki the great star: Matariki is the star that signifies our connection to the environment, to each other and to the gathering of people. Matariki signifies hope and is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The second candle
Pōhutukawa is suspended above and is a constant reminder of our treasured loved ones that passed on. May you too come to shine as stars in the night, and sparkle within storehouse of memories forever more.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The third candle
Ki a Waitī, fresh water. Waitī above and Waitī below. The currents of the river swirl, the lakes ripple, and the source of Tāne-te-waiora overflows with life-giving water. Flowing waters are sustenance for the land, vitality for humanity and sustain a food basket for the people.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The fourth candle
Ki a Waitā, salt water. Behold the great expanse that gleams green and blue beneath you. Here is the great current, the long current, the boisterous ocean and the calm ocean, and it is filled with food. Here we find food for all the multitude.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The fifth candle
Ki a Waipuna-ā-rangi, mist and rain. Welcome the misty rain! Welcome the drizzle! Welcome the showers! Welcome the heavy drenching rain! Fall from the spring of the sacred sky, so that the plants grow and the people flourish.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The sixth candle
Ki a Tupuānuku, everything that grows within the soil to be harvested or
gathered for food. We till the soil, plant the crops and hail a copious abundance. May the soil be ever fertile, the plants shoot up and grow down to be plentiful.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The seventh candle
Ki a Tupuārangi, associated with everything that grows up in the trees; fruit, berries, birds. The forest is thriving, lush, and bountiful. The crown of the forest is alive with the children of Tane. It gives them food and a place to rest.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The eighth candle
Ki a Ururangi, the star associated with the winds. Let Ururangi not be a fierce and blasting wind, but instead, a gentle caressing wind so we may be revitalized and refreshed.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

The ninth candle
Ki a Hiwa-i-te-rangi. Hiwa-i-te-rangi is associated with the granting of our
wishes, the realisation of our aspirations for the coming year. A multitude of immense opportunities is before us. We approach these with a determined and longing heart.
Pause
‘There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a season to be born and a season to die; a season to plant and a season to harvest. God has made everything in harmony with the divine.’
(Ecclesiastes 1)

Waiata

The reflection is concluded by the following Prayer, prayed by the Presider:

Gracious God, as we contemplate the stars of Matariki,
we clearly see that every part of creation
has its origin and purpose in you.
We give you thanks
that you have given life to our ancestors, grandparents and parents,
so that they may transmit life to us.
You have also filled them with good things
so we may inherit them by knowing you,
adoring you, and serving you.
Bless us as we give thanks
for those who have gone before us.
Bestow your graces abundantly upon our ancestors,
grandparents and parents,
so that we may in our turn inherit their blessings.
We ask this through Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit
one God now and forever.
Amen.

The Expression of Faith (from Psalms 46, 96, 74, 104)

Matariki is a cluster of stars;
let the heavens be glad.
Matariki is a time of year;
let the earth rejoice, let the seas and all
that is in them roar.
Matariki is a time of remembering;
be still and know that I am God.
Matariki is a new beginning;
let the fields and all that is in them exult.
Let all the trees of the forests shout for joy.
Matariki is the eyes of God;
O God, what variety you have created,
arranging everything so wisely.
The Earth is filled with your creativity.
Matariki is a time of seeing;
both day and night belong to you;
you made the starlight and the sun.
You set the boundaries of the earth
and you made both summer and winter.
Matariki is a time of rejoicing;
all creatures depend on you
to feed them at the proper time.
Open your hand, they are well satisfied.