Learn kaikōhau
Learn a kaikōhau (expression of hope).
Kaikōhau means to express your hopes and desires. When you say it, you are welcoming all things that are good and wishing for them to be plentiful in times to come. ‘Hua’ (fruits) references all things that are good. This can be the food laid out in front of you, it can be your mahi (work), health, whānau and friends, and many other things in your life that you hope to be fruitful and abundant.
It’s great to say during Matariki celebrations as you prepare for the new year ahead, but it is not limited to only this time. It can be used in many other situations, as described above.
This Matariki say the kaikōhau at your kaitahi and share your hopes for the Māori new year with your whānau, friends and whomever else you invite to the table.
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Welcome all things that have grown
Welcome all things that are good
May they be plentiful and abundant
Use it with your whānau and friends at your Matariki kaitahi and don’t forget to come back and share your moment with us later.
Say it in the language of your ancestors
We have translated the kaikōhau into the indigenous language of Aotearoa as well as the languages of all our ancestors: we want everyone to be able to connect to their past, present and future this Matariki. Join us to celebrate the heritage of Aotearoa as well as the heritage of all our ancestors. We’ve tried to include everyone’s language, but let us know if we can add yours.