11/07/2026
To celebrate Matariki, Dunedin Land Search and Rescue came together for a team-building exercise centred around the creation of traditional Māori kites, or manu tukutuku. The activity provided an opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of kites in Māori tradition and to reflect on the themes of connection, communication, and aspiration that they represent.
This was followed by an early 5:30am start as team members gathered before dawn to attempt to fly their kites while watching the Matariki star cluster rise above the horizon. Standing together in the quiet of the morning, beneath the returning stars that signal the Māori New Year, provided a unique opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and connection with both each other and the environment around us.
The event highlighted many of the same values that underpin Search and Rescue: teamwork, resilience, communication, preparation, and supporting one another through challenges. It also provided a chance to pause from operational demands, strengthen relationships within the team, and consider how the values of Matariki can contribute to our own well-being and the well-being of those around us.
The appearance of the Matariki star cluster each winter marks the beginning of the Māori New Year and provides an opportunity to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look towards the future. Each of the nine whetū offers lessons that can be applied to personal and team well-being within Search and Rescue.
Matariki reminds us of the importance of health and well-being, both physical and mental. Search and Rescue volunteers often dedicate significant time and energy to helping others, making it equally important to look after ourselves and our teammates.
Pōhutukawa encourages us to remember those who are no longer with us. Within Search and Rescue this may include honouring members who have passed away, reflecting on difficult searches, and recognising the experiences that have shaped our teams and communities.
Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi represent nourishment from the land and sky. For Search and Rescue teams this can be a reminder to maintain good nutrition, fitness and preparedness, ensuring we are ready when our communities need us.
Waitī and Waitā connect us to freshwater and the oceans, environments in which many Search and Rescue incidents occur. They remind us of our responsibility to care for these places and to continue developing the skills required to operate safely within them.
Waipuna-ā-rangi, the star of rain, reminds us that challenging conditions are often unavoidable. Resilience is not about avoiding storms but learning how to work through them together and support one another afterwards.
Ururangi, the star of the winds, speaks to adaptability. Conditions can change rapidly in Search and Rescue operations, and successful teams are those that remain flexible, communicate clearly and adjust to changing circumstances.
Finally, Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the wishing star, encourages us to look ahead and set aspirations for the future. This may be improving our skills, mentoring new members, strengthening our teams, or finding new ways to support the communities we serve.
Like a manu tukutuku reaching skyward towards Matariki, Search and Rescue is built on connection — between people, communities, the environment and those who came before us. Matariki provides an opportunity not only to reflect on our service, but also to check in with ourselves and our teammates, celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and set our intentions for the year ahead.
By embracing the values represented by the stars of Matariki, Search and Rescue organisations can strengthen resilience, foster belonging, and promote the well-being that allows our people to continue helping others when they need it most.
We thank all our volunteers for their time training and tasking to get the lost, missing and injured home.
