The stars aligned
I’ve known Matariki Bennett (Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Hinerangi) for several years now as we’ve worked together on local TV productions such as Secrets at Red Rocks, Not Even, and Hui Hoppers. Seeing her on set always makes me smile - she wears the best outfits, has a contagious giggle, and is clearly talented at what she does. She's one of my fav people on set. So when I heard that she was launching her debut collection of poetry 'e kō, nō hea koe,' (published by Dead Bird Books) I asked if we could get together for a portrait session to celebrate this moment.
How would you describe yourself and your mahi in the world in 2025?
Woah this is one of the hardest questions I've been asked! The first thing that comes to mind is an echo, I think that nothing is entirely original, art echoes art, and I think mine echoes that of my parents, that of their parents and so on. I find myself most interested in writing about my whānau hītori as a way to connect with ōku whānaunga kua whetūrangitia, and I am really interested in the constant rebirth of whakapapa. My mahi is always grounded in my worldview, particularly this collection of poetry - it is very personal and introspective. My whānau have never shied away from using their oratory to make change in the world, and I am no exception! It is disheartening though, that the same things my tupuna tāne advocated for in the early 1900's, are being called into question today by our government in 2025.
What brings you joy on a regular basis (big or small)?
My friends and whānau - I am so lucky to be surrounded by so much warmth! The past few months have been particularly difficult for my whānau and as a result, we have drawn close, holding each other through all the turbulence. So, I find the most joy in being around those I love.
Matariki Bennett and the Milky Way, photographed by Rebecca McMillan at Breaker Bay, May 2025
what's been a recent rewarding work experience you've had?
Working on the TV series, Secrets at Red Rocks. I stepped up into the dresser role after being an assist for a few years and it was a challenge, filming on the South Coast of Pōneke mid-winter in the ocean! I had my big brother, Tīhema by my side the whole time and it was a really special couple of months.
What have you learned about yourself through writing and publishing e kō, nō hea koe?
Oooh... Probably to trust myself? I have yet to meet an artist that doesn't struggle with some level of imposter syndrome and it has been the biggest obstacle for me during this process. I think having such incredible people around me throughout the process, believing in me and believing in this body of work encouraged me to believe in it too. During the writing process I had Ken Arkind mentoring me, Arihia Hall and Manaia Tuwhare-Hoani as advisors, these three pushed my writing far beyond where I thought it would go, and through the publishing process, the team of Dead Bird Books really brought my work to life. No poem is ever complete, but I feel pretty proud of where my work stands today.
The Bennett sisters - Matariki and Māhina - on set during Not Even season two, photographed by Rebecca McMillan
What's your one favourite thing about wellington?
There are so many things, but the landscape sticks out the most. My partner, Billie and I have been living close to the South Coast for the past year and it isn't lost on us how privileged we are to drive 10 minutes one way to the city, and 10 minutes the other way to the city. All of this and we have the ngahere on our back doorsteps too!! We've seen kārearea fly past our whare, kererū on the tops of power lines, and Tūī and Pīwakawaka regularly visit us, we even heard a Kiwi call one night driving through Karori.
You have such an incredible fashion sense. would you spotlight a wellington designer that excites you?
Hahahaha thank you!! Vince Ropitini (Obsolescence Clothing) and his collection 'The Art Of Passive Resistance' is stunning. His kakahu embodies hītori, telling stories of where he is from which is incredibly exciting and important.
What was your experience of being photographed by me on set?
You are my favourite face to see popping in and out of set!! You capture the energy of each film and crew so well, and I can't wait to work with you again!!!!!
Matariki Bennett and the Milky Way, photographed by Rebecca McMillan at Breaker Bay, May 2025
Bonus question: any recommendations for podcasts / books / music that you’ve enjoyed recently that I should make time for?
My absolute favourite song at the moment is 'Te Kete Aronui' by Mara TK (shot Gala for putting me on).
Matariki Bennett at Breaker Bay, photographed by Rebecca McMillan, May 2025
I’m fortunate enough to have seen an advance copy of 'e kō, nō hea koe,' Not only does it contain 30 of Matariki’s poems it also features beautiful artwork by her sister Māhina Bennett. Matariki describes the 30 poems as "a series of goodbyes and attempts to slow the shedding, it's a group of teenagers sparking up as they watch the pacific garbage patch catapult into space and become a second moon, it's endless conversations with Grandmama about stars, it is the constant rebirth of whakapapa and learning that silence isn’t the best part of her."
Beautiful. Just like Matariki x
