Matariki - ideas and resources for your organisation
We were thrilled to have Jody O’Sullivan, Jade Hohaia Te Uri Karaka and Zacchaeus Te Uri Karaka share their Māori Christian perspectives on Matariki.
Jody’s three key messages gave us a beautiful framework for thinking about and engaging with the upcoming season of Matariki, a truly unique celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Look up, Show up and Shine On!
Look up – what’s it all about? Remembering, being present and focusing on the future.
Show up – How can you join in? Get involved and get engaged with your own community
Shine – Where to from here? Let you light shine (as Ambassadors of Christ), get resourced and get out there
There were a number of great resources mentioned in the webinar, to help you celebrate Matariki with your whanau and your workplace, through a growing understanding of the significance of the season.
These included:
https://livingbythestars.co.nz/
https://nzchristiannetwork.org.nz/te-rongopai-and-matariki/
https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/matariki_pack_2023.pdf
If you would like to watch the webinar please contact melanie@wilberforce.org.nz
Jody O’Sullivan Bio
Jody O'Sullivan is a passionate educator, community leader, and proud member of Ngāi Tahu, based in Ōtautahi. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Jody became the principal of her first kura at just 29 years old and now lectures in the Education Department at the University of Canterbury, where she was recently nominated for Lecturer of the Year.
Her deep commitment to tamariki and whānau is reflected in her many roles: she serves on the New Zealand Sign Language Panel, chairs Rukua te Rētōtanga, and sits on the boards of both Te Ora Hou (Māori Youth and Community Development) and her local school.
Jody holds a Master’s in Education and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education. Trilingual in Māori, English, and Japanese — and now learning sign language to support her hard-of-hearing son — she is a fierce advocate for inclusive and holistic education.
She has led outreach teams to Nepal and the Philippines, performed on the Te Matatini stage with Te Pao a Tahu, represented Aotearoa at the World Games (earning gold), and even shared breakfast with Barack Obama.
Above all, Jody considers her greatest achievement to be raising her three boys to love God, be kind, embrace nature, and become haka superstars. She brings positivity, joy, and an unwavering dedication to empowering communities through education.