Matariki workplace winter warmers

Coinciding with New Zealand’s shortest day, on Monday 21 June 2021 nationwide law firm Lane Neave kicked off three weeks of Matariki celebrations.

People and Capability Manager Mark Lewis says Lane Neave wanted to come up with a creative way to support people’s day-to-day health and wellbeing over winter.

“With the Government’s recent move to create a new public holiday from 2022, there is a lot of interest in making Matariki a really special event. Many of us haven’t celebrated Matariki in the past so we really wanted to learn more about ways we can all mark its significance.”

Over the next three weeks, Lane Neave has organised nine activities based around Te Iwa o Matariki (the nine stars of Matariki). Monday’s opening event involved a shared kai and presentation by Maraea Peawini who outlined her kaupapa on Matariki.

“The opening event was the perfect opportunity to connect, keep learning - and in the spirit of Matariki - take notice with a focus on planning for the future,” says Mark.

Upcoming events include lunchtime walks to locations of cultural significance, a planting workshop, and creating a Matariki time capsule where staff can write down their hopes and dreams for the year ahead.