The Four Stars of Matariki

The remembrance altars are inspired by Pōhutukawa, the whetū that honours those who have died and the memories they leave behind. They provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge those who have touched our lives throughout the year.

To ensure everyone across Hospice has the opportunity to participate, three Koteo Mau Waikamo have been created:

• Koteo Mau Waikamo ki Tūāraki – Northern Services

• Koteo Mau Waikamo ki Tūtakangahau – Southern Services

• Koteo Mau Waikamo ki Tātoru – Dunedin Services

• At the centre of the altar is a rock, representing the weight of grief that we carry.

• The water symbolises healing, renewal, and the lifting of that heaviness. You are welcome to take water from the bowl and sprinkle it across the rock.

• An urn has been placed on Koteo Mau Waikamo ki Tātoru as a space to remember and honour those we have lost. The names of people who die on our service during June, July and August, will be added to the urn, but any name can be added.

As we place names into the urn we are encouraged to also think about the year ahead. While Pōhutukawa encourages us to remember those who have gone before us, Hiwa-i-te-Rangi - the whetū of hopes, dreams, and aspirations - reminds us to reflect on what we wish to carry into the future.

• The lessons we have learned

• The connections we have strengthened

• The hopes we hold for ourselves, our whānau, our colleagues, and those we continue to care for

Pōhutukawa and Hiwa-i-te-Rangi teach us that remembrance and hope sit side by side. As we gather under the stars of Matariki, may we find comfort in remembering, strength in connection, and hope for the journey ahead.