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The Tale of the Humble Leader
In a small Māori village near the coast of Aotearoa, the whānau were preparing for Te Rā o te Kirihimete (Christmas Day). It was a time of celebration, sharing, and remembering the values of aroha (love), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kotahitanga (unity). … View moreThe Tale of the Humble Leader
In a small Māori village near the coast of Aotearoa, the whānau were preparing for Te Rā o te Kirihimete (Christmas Day). It was a time of celebration, sharing, and remembering the values of aroha (love), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kotahitanga (unity). However, this year, the village faced a challenge. Their rangatira, Wiremu, had grown distant and prideful, burdened by his position.
Wiremu often made decisions alone, thinking that his wisdom and authority were enough to guide the iwi. While the villagers respected him, they felt unheard, and the spirit of unity began to fade.
As the Kirihimete celebrations approached, the kaumātua, Hinewai, decided to intervene. She invited Wiremu to the marae one evening, where she shared a story about Tāwhaki, the demigod who ascended to the heavens not through power, but through humility and service.
“Wiremu,” Hinewai said, “even the greatest leaders are at their strongest when they serve their people. Leadership is not about standing above others but walking beside them.”
Wiremu reflected on her words but was unsure how to change.
The Lesson of the Whetū (Stars)
On Christmas Eve, as the village prepared for their festivities, a fierce storm rolled in from the sea. The winds howled, and the rain poured, threatening to ruin the celebration. The central whare kai (dining hall) began to leak, and the decorations the tamariki had made were soaked. The people gathered anxiously, unsure of how to proceed.
Wiremu stood at the edge of the marae, looking at the chaos. In that moment, Hinewai’s words echoed in his mind: “Even the greatest leaders serve their people.”
Without hesitation, Wiremu took off his korowai (cloak of leadership) and joined the villagers. He grabbed buckets to catch the rain, helped rebuild the decorations, and reassured the tamariki that their work would be restored. His humility inspired others, and soon the entire iwi was working together, laughing and singing as they prepared the whare for the celebration.
A Kirihimete Under the Stars
When the storm cleared, the sky was filled with bright whetū (stars). The villagers gathered around a glowing fire outside the whare, sharing kai and stories of gratitude. Wiremu stood among them, no longer as a distant rangatira, but as a friend and servant of his people.
Under the starlit sky, Hinewai stood and addressed the iwi.
“This Kirihimete, we are reminded that true leadership is like the brightest whetū. It does not shine to outdo others but guides them through darkness. Wiremu has shown us the power of humility, and through his service, we have rediscovered our unity.”
Wiremu bowed his head humbly. “Tonight, you have all taught me that a leader is nothing without their people. Let us carry this spirit of kotahitanga and aroha into the new year.”
The villagers cheered, and the spirit of Te Rā o te Kirihimete shone brightly in their hearts.
Moral of the Story:
Leadership is not about authority or pride but about humility and service. Like the whetū that guide travelers, a true leader walks alongside their people, bringing light and unity through service and aroha. At Christmas, we are reminded of the importance of giving, humility, and leading with love.
There's a a lot of planning that goes into Christmas day and sometimes things just don't go to plan. But it can be a good thing - a family mishap or hilarious memory that you can laugh about in Christmases to come.
Whether you burnt the dinner or were stranded at an airport...
Share… View moreThere's a a lot of planning that goes into Christmas day and sometimes things just don't go to plan. But it can be a good thing - a family mishap or hilarious memory that you can laugh about in Christmases to come.
Whether you burnt the dinner or were stranded at an airport...
Share your Christmas mishaps below!
At Moore Markhams, we work alongside you to understand your goals and help you navigate challenges, from tax compliance to business strategy.
As part of a global network, we provide local expertise backed by international connections, so you’re supported every step of the way.
Discover how… View moreAt Moore Markhams, we work alongside you to understand your goals and help you navigate challenges, from tax compliance to business strategy.
As part of a global network, we provide local expertise backed by international connections, so you’re supported every step of the way.
Discover how Moore Markhams Auckland and our nationwide team can help your business thrive.
The festive season is always a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, and this time of year poses the perfect opportunity to bring a real showstopper to the Christmas table.
For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche, an impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with … View moreThe festive season is always a great excuse to indulge your sweet tooth, and this time of year poses the perfect opportunity to bring a real showstopper to the Christmas table.
For Suellen’s family, that showstopper is Croquembouche, an impressive tower of cream puffs bound together with spun sugar that is popular at weddings in France and Italy.
What began as a birthday treat at a local French café has become a cherished Christmas tradition for Suellen and her 17-year-old twin granddaughters, Ellie and Sadie. Every year, the trio gather in Suellen’s apartment at William Sanders Village to cook this festive dessert - a holiday highlight they all treasure.
Click read more for the recipe.
Prepare for delays at SH1 Spaghetti Junction and the Harbour Bridge from Boxing Day evening until early January. Our crew will be carrying out essential maintenance during this time.
Consider taking the SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route and SH20 if you’re travelling south. Our summer works will … View morePrepare for delays at SH1 Spaghetti Junction and the Harbour Bridge from Boxing Day evening until early January. Our crew will be carrying out essential maintenance during this time.
Consider taking the SH16/SH18 Western Ring Route and SH20 if you’re travelling south. Our summer works will continue on SH16 The Strand from January until March.
In the sacred valleys of Aotearoa, beneath the watchful gaze of the maunga and the whispering ngahere, there was a time when harmony within the iwi began to crumble. The values of tikanga (righteousness) and manaakitanga (compassion) were neglected. Greed, conflict, and disregard for the whenua had… View moreIn the sacred valleys of Aotearoa, beneath the watchful gaze of the maunga and the whispering ngahere, there was a time when harmony within the iwi began to crumble. The values of tikanga (righteousness) and manaakitanga (compassion) were neglected. Greed, conflict, and disregard for the whenua had begun to take root, threatening the balance cherished by the people.
The kaumātua of the iwi gathered at the marae to seek guidance. They performed long karakia, calling upon the atua and Io Matua Kore, the supreme source of all life. As they chanted, a warm breeze swept through the wharenui, and the voice of Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest, resonated through the air like a gentle waiata.
When tikanga fades and matekiri (disharmony) arises, Tāne said, Io Matua Kore, through the atua, manifests anew to restore balance and guide the people back to the ways of light.
Soon after, a child was born to the iwi, surrounded by signs of divine blessing. Birds of all kinds gathered at the whare, and the rivers flowed with an unusual clarity. The kaumātua named the child Rongo, after the atua of peace and cultivated lands, believing he would be the one to lead the iwi back to harmony.
As Rongo grew, his wisdom far surpassed his years. He taught the people to honor kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the whenua, to uphold manaakitanga for one another, and to align their actions with tikanga. He reminded them that life was a sacred connection between the wairua, the whenua, and Io Matua Kore.
When righteousness wanes and shadows grow, Rongo would say, we must remember the teachings of the atua. For in each of us, their spirit is alive, and through us, the balance can be restored.
Under his guidance, the iwi flourished again. They planted trees, nurtured their rivers, and cared for one another as whānau. Balance and peace returned to the land, and the harmony of tapu and noa was restored.
Moral of the Story:
When tikanga (righteousness) declines and the balance of life is disrupted, the divine manifests through those chosen to lead and guide the people. It is our collective duty to listen, to act, and to restore the harmony that sustains all of creation.
A Xmas present that I won't be using, unopened, brand new. Current RRP $249
$220 ONO
In a small Māori village nestled beneath the shadow of a great forest, there lived a young man named Tane. He was named after Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest, and like his namesake, he had a deep connection with the ngahere (forest). Tane was admired for his tireless efforts to care for the … View moreIn a small Māori village nestled beneath the shadow of a great forest, there lived a young man named Tane. He was named after Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest, and like his namesake, he had a deep connection with the ngahere (forest). Tane was admired for his tireless efforts to care for the trees and plants. He often cleared fallen branches, watered the ferns, and tended to the roots of the great Kauri trees.
One day, an elder named Kuia Hine called Tane to her whare. She was the spiritual guide of the iwi and held wisdom passed down through generations.
“Tane,” she said, “you have a kind heart, but your efforts are scattered like leaves in the wind. You water the ferns, prune the harakeke, and tend to each plant, yet the ngahere is struggling to thrive. Why do you think that is?”
Tane bowed his head, confused. “Kuia, I thought I was serving the forest by tending to its parts. Have I been doing it wrong?”
Kuia Hine smiled and handed him a kete. Inside was a small bowl of pure spring water.
“Take this water,” she said, “and pour it at the base of the sacred Kauri in the heart of the ngahere. Do this every day, and watch what happens.”
Tane did as instructed. Each day, he journeyed to the sacred Kauri, an ancient tree standing tall in the center of the forest. He poured the spring water at its roots, speaking karakia to Tāne Mahuta, asking for blessings for the forest.
As the days turned into weeks, a miraculous change began to unfold. The sacred Kauri’s leaves became greener, its bark glowed with vitality, and its roots seemed to hum with life. But it wasn’t just the Kauri that thrived—across the ngahere, the ferns unfurled, the harakeke stood tall, and even the smallest plants blossomed with renewed vigor. The forest came alive with the songs of birds and the rustle of the wind through rejuvenated branches.
Kuia Hine visited Tane in the ngahere and observed the transformation.
“Tane,” she said, “do you see now? By nurturing the roots of the Kauri, the source of the forest’s strength, you have nourished the entire ngahere. The Kauri shares its vitality with all the plants, birds, and creatures around it.”
Tane bowed his head in awe. “Kuia, I understand now. To truly serve the whole, I must focus on the source.”
Kuia Hine nodded. “This is the way of life, Tane. By serving Io Matua Kore, the Supreme, we nourish all beings. Like the Kauri is to the ngahere, Io is the root of all existence. Through karakia, aroha, and devotion to the Divine, all of creation is blessed.”
From that day on, Tane continued his work in the ngahere with a renewed sense of purpose. He poured water at the base of the sacred Kauri and sang karakia, knowing that his service to the source benefited not just the forest, but all the beings who called it home.
Moral of the Story:
Like watering the root of a tree nourishes all its branches and leaves, serving Io Matua Kore, the Supreme, nourishes and uplifts all living beings. When we focus on the source of life and offer our devotion there, the blessings flow outward to sustain and enrich all of creation.
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine. We're still on the hunt for tomato recipes, so send your family's favourite way to use up your homegrown harvest, to: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free … View moreKia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine. We're still on the hunt for tomato recipes, so send your family's favourite way to use up your homegrown harvest, to: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the mag
Special Children's Christmas Parties held their Auckland event at
the Auckland Showgrounds recently inviting thousands of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's … View moreSpecial Children's Christmas Parties held their Auckland event at
the Auckland Showgrounds recently inviting thousands of special needs children and their caregivers to a fun day of free entertainment, food and also took home three quality toys to call their own.
Special Children's Christmas Parties have been organising these events for over 25 years across a number of main centres throughout New Zealand.
Now, every year in New Zealand, nearly 10,000 Kiwi children with special needs, challenging life or health circumstances are invited to a party like no other.
The annual event is made possible by many local businesses supporting this event including Neighbourly.co.nz.
To be a part of this special event next year, please contact Aidan Belsham - Aidan@scevents.co.nz
A luxury mattress can make all the difference after all the holiday excitement. ?✨ Consider pairing it with a plush pillow, a stylish new headboard, or a cosy sleep hamper to complete the perfect bedroom retreat. ?️? Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to the gift of restful nights this festive… View moreA luxury mattress can make all the difference after all the holiday excitement. ?✨ Consider pairing it with a plush pillow, a stylish new headboard, or a cosy sleep hamper to complete the perfect bedroom retreat. ?️? Treat your loved ones (or yourself) to the gift of restful nights this festive season!
#Beds4U #SleepComfort #HolidayGiftGuide #HolidayGiving #PerfectGift
I have a special Christmas gift for our community! 🎄
I'm giving away 3 free Puppy Training online courses to help local puppy parents raise well-behaved adult dogs.
To participate: Visit the link below, follow the steps on the original Instagram post and join the giveaway. 👇
… View moreI have a special Christmas gift for our community! 🎄
I'm giving away 3 free Puppy Training online courses to help local puppy parents raise well-behaved adult dogs.
To participate: Visit the link below, follow the steps on the original Instagram post and join the giveaway. 👇
www.instagram.com...
🐾 Happy dogs make a happy neighborhood! 🐾
The Path of the Feather
In a quiet Māori village surrounded by dense ngahere (forest) and flowing rivers, a young woman named Aroha sought guidance for her restless heart. Aroha was gifted with a sharp mind and quick hands, which earned her admiration among her people. But she often felt torn … View moreThe Path of the Feather
In a quiet Māori village surrounded by dense ngahere (forest) and flowing rivers, a young woman named Aroha sought guidance for her restless heart. Aroha was gifted with a sharp mind and quick hands, which earned her admiration among her people. But she often felt torn between her desire for material success and a deeper yearning for peace.
One day, she climbed to the peak of Maunga Tapu (Sacred Mountain) to visit her kaumātua, Tohunga Matua, a wise elder known for his connection to wairua (spirit) and mātauranga (knowledge).
“E kui,” Aroha began, kneeling before him, “I feel trapped, as if my pursuit of worldly things has chained me. Yet, I cannot let go. What can I do?”
Tohunga Matua smiled and reached into his kete (basket), pulling out a raukura (feather). He held it high, letting the wind dance with it. “Aroha, this feather teaches us the essence of life. Do you see how it floats freely when it is released to the wind, but it falls to the ground when we cling to it?”
Aroha nodded, intrigued but unsure. “But how does that help me, e kui?”
Tohunga Matua continued, “The rāhui of our ancestors teaches us the principle of balance. The mana of a person—like the feather—determines their path. If your mind clings to the material, like a bird tied to the earth, you are bound. But if your mind lets go of attachment, you rise and find freedom.”
Still puzzled, Aroha asked, “But how do I let go of the things I desire? They feel so real.”
The elder picked up a smooth stone and handed it to Aroha. “Hold this stone tightly,” he instructed.
Aroha clenched the stone in her fist. Tohunga Matua then poured water from a calabash over her hand. The water ran over her skin, but none could reach her palm. “Your desires are like this stone, moko. When you cling to them, the waters of life cannot nourish your spirit. But if you open your hand…”
Aroha opened her palm, and the stone fell. The water now flowed freely over her hand. “When you release your grasp, you allow life to fill you with wairua. You let your spirit rise.”
From that day forward, Aroha practiced the teachings of the raukura. She found joy in simplicity, cherishing her connections to her whānau and whenua (land). Her success no longer defined her mana. Instead, it was her ability to uplift others and maintain balance in her life that gave her freedom.
Years later, when Aroha became a respected rangatira (leader), she shared the lesson of the feather with her people. “Our mind determines whether we are bound or free. Let us let go of what weighs us down and rise like the raukura, carried by the winds of wairua and wisdom.”
Moral:
The story reflects the principle of “The mind is the cause of bondage and liberation. Attachment binds, while detachment liberates.” from the Srimad Bhagavatam. It teaches that attachment to material desires binds us, while detachment and spiritual focus lead to liberation. The tale highlights the importance of balance, wairua, and mana in achieving inner freedom.
Neighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their … View moreNeighbourly members across the country have been sharing their festive decor to be in to win the title of NZ's Merriest Home. We've narrowed the entries down to six finalists (our toughest feat yet!).
Now it's up to you!
Click on the name of the finalist to see all of their photos before you cast your merry vote!
Nishan Wijesinghe from Te Atatu South - See all photos here
Mark Williams from Tamatea - See all photos here
Linda Clack from Cockle Bay - See all photos here
Luke Murphy from Hornby - See all photos here
Joanne Isles from Hokowhitu - See all photos here
Kirstyn Tait from Wigram - See all photos here
The finalist with the most votes will win the title of NZ's Merriest Home and $200 to go toward more Christmas goodies!
You can also enlarge the images below by clicking on them. Happy voting, neighbours!
© Neighbourly 2025
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