Photography: Robert Trathen.
When Woman’s Day catches up with Stacey Morrison, it’s her 53rd birthday, but such is her commitment to spreading the aroha for te ao Ma¯ori, the legendary broadcaster happily pushes pause on her celebrations to chat.
The bestselling author, former What Now presenter and ex-Flava radio host is gearing up to present this year’s live Matariki Herenga Waka celebrations this Friday at Tāmaki Makaurau’s Ōrākei Marae.
Coming together
It’s Stacey’s fifth year fronting the live TV event, which begins with a pre-dawn hautapu ceremony, and will this year also include contributions from our Indian, Chinese and Samoan communities to celebrate the theme of cultural diversity and unity.
“Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has attracted big crowds for their hautapu over the years, so it’s exciting for us to be there,” explains Stacey, who is of Te Arawa and Ngāi Tahu descent. “I love it when I see people come out at dawn – a couple of generations all wrapped up in blankets, standing in stillness and reflection, taking in their environment and connecting. I always think, ‘This is so cool. This is us!’”
Matariki is a busy time for the Morrison whānau this year. While Stacey anchors the national broadcast, husband Scotty, 55, is away for another hautapu and their eldest daughter Kurawaka, 17, will have just finished at the national secondary schools kapa haka competition.
Yet despite their hectic schedules, the family, including youngest daughter Maiana, 13, will come together with wider whānau to honour their whakapapa.
“We’ll remember those who’ve passed, acknowledge the crops we receive, and the winds and the rains that sustain them, and to make our wishes and aspirations for the year ahead,” says Stacey.
Getting her groove back
Reflecting on the 18 months since she left her job hosting the Flava breakfast show, the star shares the whakataukī (proverb) that best sums up this chapter of her life: “Ka mana te whakairo i te whāriki, ka mana te whāriki i te whakairo – the mana of the carvings is elevated by the mana of the mats.”
Stacey explains, “It’s about the equilibrium of males and females supporting each other. My husband has really supported me to have a different way of being and doing this year.”
That’s included helping her get comfortable with the “ages and stages of our kids”, including their son Hawaiki, 19, who is heading home after 18 months playing league on the Gold Coast.
Stacey says, “I really notice when he’s not here at Matariki because it’s a time when usually we were all together.”
Stacey – who loves a “good hāngī” and is looking forward to tucking into her favourite ku¯mara-based desserts – is also celebrating a recent nomination for next month’s New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults for a book she translated, Taku Ikura Tuatahi.
She smiles, “I’m really proud to have been a part of this project. It’s a story about a girl’s first ikura [period] and it’s another example of reclaiming ancient knowledge.”
Matariki Herenga Waka broadcasts live from 6am Friday on Whakaata Māori, TVNZ 1, Sky Open, RNZ, Stuff, Pasifika TV, Iwi Radio and matariki.com.
Star power hosts
Stacey will be joined by former Good Morning star Ma¯tai Smith, 49, and Whakaata Māori presenter Marcia Hopa, 38, as they host the Matariki Herenga Waka braodcast. Here, Mātai (Rongowhakaata, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) and Marcia (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, Waikato) share how they’ll mark the new year…
What does Matariki mean to you?
Mātai: It’s one of the few times each year where the country slows down. It’s a chance to remember those we’ve lost, celebrate where we’ve come from and intentionally look ahead.
Marcia: It’s a time to come together to be grateful for what we have and have a big whānau kai tahi [family meal] too!
What kai are you most looking forward to?
Mātai: You can’t beat a good hāngī shared with wha¯nau. It’s never just about the kai – it’s about the stories and laughter around the table.
Marcia: I love a noodle bowl!
Who are you remembering this Matariki?
Marcia: My nana. She was the best – a huge loss to our wha¯nau! But she lived a great life and I’m so grateful for the time we had.
What proverb best sums up your year?
Mātai: Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – success is never achieved alone. This past year has reminded me how important it is to have good people around you.
Which of the nine stars of Matariki resonates most for you this year?
Marcia: Hiwa-i-te-rangi. I love to dream and try new things. I look forward to setting some new goals and also letting go of worrying about the things that aren’t in my control.
