At Ventia, our promise is “Together We Go Further.” It's how we work every day alongside our people, customers, iwi and communities to create stronger connections and better outcomes across Aotearoa.

We’re celebrating Matariki, the Māori New Year, across the motu at all our depots and offices - from Kaitaia at the top of the North Island to Bluff at the bottom of the South Island. 

This year's theme is, Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone. A herenga waka is a place where many waka come together, symbolising connection, belonging and the strength we find in unity.

The theme reflects what we see every day across our business. Whether we're maintaining roads, caring for parks and community spaces, keeping essential services running or delivering critical infrastructure, we're working in partnership with customers, iwi and communities to make a positive difference where it matters most.

We're proud of the relationships we've built with iwi across the country and the opportunity to learn from one another as we work together towards a shared future. These partnerships help us better understand the communities we serve and create benefits that extend well beyond the work we deliver.

For many, Matariki is a time to, appreciate the present, and look ahead with hope and purpose. It's a reminder of the importance of connection, collaboration and collective aspirations - values that sit at the heart of who we are at Ventia. 

As Ricky Steedman, Kaitohutohu Advisor, reflects:

"Ko te pae tawhiti whāia kia tata, ko te pae tata whakamaua kia tīna."

"Seek out the distant horizons and cherish those you have already reached." 

"For me, Matariki is a time to come together — to remember those who have passed since the last Matariki, reflect on where we've been and what we've achieved, and appreciate where we are today. It's also a time to look ahead, strengthen relationships, and seek opportunities that create mutually beneficial outcomes."

Watch our Matariki message from Ricky as he shares what Matariki means to us at Ventia and the importance of looking ahead while staying connected to the people, places and relationships that make us stronger together.

Mānawatia a Matariki.

Happy Māori New Year from all of us at Ventia.