E te Atua,
God of all creation,
As the stars of Matariki rise and signal te tau hou Māori,
We pause in gratitude for the gift of new beginnings.
We remember those who have gone before us,
Our loved ones, our ancestors, our tīpuna,
May their memories guide us,
Their wisdom inspire us,
And their love surround us as we journey forward.
As Matariki shines above,
We give thanks for the abundance of the whenua,
For the kai gathered and shared,
For the hands that work the land,
And for the breath of life in all that grows.
Bless our whānau and our communities,
Unite us in aroha and whanaungatanga,
Help us to care for Papatūānuku, our Mother Earth,
With the spirit of kaitiakitanga entrusted to us.
May this Matariki be a time of reflection,
Of healing, of hope, and of renewal.
Guide our dreams and aspirations,
That we may walk gently,
With gratitude and respect,
Into the promise of the year ahead.
Āmene