A Māori Priest Gives Her Honest Take On Matariki

Published July 12th, 2026

Reverend Kerri-Ann Hokianga is a fourth-generation ordained Māori Anglican priest and evangelist, called to share the Gospel with Māori across Aotearoa.
She joins Life FM's Arvo Bravo on Matariki, one of the most significant days on the Māori calendar, to talk about what it actually means, and why she doesn't see it as a threat to her faith. This conversation moves from the meaning of Matariki (remembering, gratitude, looking ahead) to the question a lot of Christians quietly ask: is celebrating this idolatry?
Her answer reframes the whole conversation.
If you've ever wondered how to hold your faith and engage with Te Ao Māori without fear, this one's for you.
Learn more / connect: [INSERT GUEST CTA — church/community details unconfirmed in transcript, "Marae Anglican Church" needs verification before publishing]
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:31 - Welcome to Arvo Bravo: Meet Reverend Kerri-Ann
01:03 - What Matariki Means: The Māori New Year
01:33 - Remembering Ancestors & Giving Thanks
03:05 - How Kerri-Ann Celebrates Matariki With Family
04:22 - Where To See Matariki: Ōrākei & Bastion Point
05:51 - Addressing the "Idolatry" Question
07:33 - Her Story: A Calling She Didn't Choose
08:35 - How To Start Celebrating Matariki
Faith 🙏🏽 Music 📻 Culture 💖
INSTAGRAM: @lifefm @themorningwakeupnz @lifefmafternoons 📸
https://www.instagram.com/lifefm
https://www.instagram.com/themorningwakeupnz
https://www.instagram.com/lifefmafternoons
FACEBOOK: @lifefm 🤗
https://www.facebook.com/lifefm/
WEBSITE: https://lifefm.co.nz/home 💻
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/user/3z7m94cfyeayv0gbaule9h87n 🎧
TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifefmnz 💃
DON’T FORGET…
SUBSCRIBE so you never miss a video! 🥰
LIKE this video to let us know you enjoyed it! 👍
COMMENT what you would like to see on this channel! 👇
← Back to Videos