Honouring Matariki: Purposeful marketing through a Māori worldview

As Matariki rises once again in our skies, we at Let’s Communicate take a moment to reflect — not only on the year that has passed, but on the intentional path we continue to carve through our work here in Aotearoa.

Matariki, the Māori New Year, invites us to pause. It’s a time for remembrance, celebration, and renewal. It’s deeply rooted in te ao Māori — the Māori worldview — which embraces values such as whanaungatanga (relationships), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and manaakitanga (care and respect). These values are not just cultural pillars; they are guides that shape how we live, how we create, and how we communicate.

At Let’s Communicate, we believe that marketing is not just about visibility — it’s about intention. Purposeful marketing honours people, stories, communities, and the environment. It’s about knowing who you are, why you do what you do, and how you show up in the world — and for whom.

Operating in Aotearoa, we carry a responsibility to work in ways that reflect the land we are on and the people we work alongside. For us, this means embracing te ao Māori not as a trend, but as a foundation. We are inspired by the way it encourages us to move slowly, to listen deeply, and to put relationships at the centre of everything.

Whether we’re developing a brand, designing a campaign, or writing content — we always ask: Who are we serving? What impact will this have? How can we do this in a way that uplifts and respects the people and places involved?

This is how we turn marketing into a practice of connection, healing, and celebration.

As Matariki reminds us, the past and the future are woven together. We’re proud to be a part of this land’s evolving story and grateful to do our work here in Aotearoa. We acknowledge and honour tangata whenua — the people of this land — and commit to continuing our journey with humility, openness, and deep respect.

Mānawatia a Matariki.

May this new year be one of meaningful connection, creativity, and impact — for all of us.