Matariki signals the Māori New Year, a time of renewal, remembrance and hope. It begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster (also known as Pleiades), which appears in the winter sky just before dawn, marking the start of a new cycle in the maramataka, the Māori lunar calendar.
For generations, Matariki has been a time for whānau to gather, honour loved ones who have passed, and celebrate the present through kai, song and storytelling. It’s also a time to set intentions for the year ahead, guided by the stars. Each of the nine visible stars in the Matariki cluster has its own meaning. Hiwa-i-te-rangi is the star of hope, the one to whom wishes, dreams and aspirations are offered.
To honour this tradition, we’re inviting you to take part in our in-store activation: Stars of Hope.
From Thursday 19 July to Thursday 26 June, write your hope for the year ahead on a silver star and pin it to our wall — a symbolic way to send it to Hiwa-i-te-rangi and set your intentions into motion.
How it works
- Take a silver star
- Write your hope for the future on the back
- Add your name and phone number
- Pin it to our wall to send it to the sky
Each evening, we’ll select a Star of the Day, a wish that stands out for its heart, thoughtfulness or spirit. The winner will receive a Moss St. candle, to light up their home and carry the warmth of their wish forward.
Winners will be announced nightly on our Instagram stories and contacted by text.
Come visit us in-store, take a moment to reflect, and share your hope for the future. Matariki is a time to come together, to remember, to dream, and to look ahead.
Stars of Hope runs from Thursday, 19 to Thursday, 26 June. In-store only.