In the depth of winter I appreciate signs that cause me to reflect on how we can be our best. A poem next to me at my bus stop, written by Poet Laureate Robert Sullivan, was put there thanks to the legacy of the late Jim Wilson of Phantom Billstickers.

Their large poster poems provide unexpected beauty or reflection amid the bustle of city life. I shared this poem with guests at the conclusion of last week’s Shifting the Stream forum at Tūranga, the central library in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Robert Sullivan is a poet, academic and editor. His iwi are Ngāpuhi (Ngāti Manu, Ngāti Hau) and Kai Tahu (Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki), and he is also of Irish descent.

As we celebrate Matariki over the next few days across Aotearoa, this poem reminds us of our humanity and to "love, reach out and support one another". Mānawatia a Matariki!

Korekore Rawea: Karakia

When we close our eyes
in mihi to the divine
it makes us feel our tūpuna
our whenua
that we all
take a breath
in thanks
we shall not hate
that we will, love
reach out
and support one another
in shared
karakia
– Robert Sullivan, from Hopurangi Songcatcher: Poems from the Maramataka. Auckland University Press)