Dr Sandra Grey.

Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary, Te Hautū Kahurangi

Every day I learn something new, this week it was that there is a star in the Matariki constellation called Hiwa-i-te-Rangi. She’s the wishing star – oh that idea just brings me such joy. I’ve always loved the idea of wishing on stars.

When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.

Hiwa-i-te Rangi will be above all in Aotearoa today and for the days to come. Let’s get out there and wish for a better world. A world one where everyone has shelter; food is shared to ensure everyone has a full belly; where knowledge and learning is valued; the earth is protected; and our many differences bring us closer because it helps build a brighter more dynamic Aotearoa.

TEU has wishes in abundance – mana mahi, mana tiriti, mana taurite, mana mātauranga, and mana taiao – our wishes for a better future. But we need to stand up together and act if we want the wishes to come true.

The starting point is to work out plans, learn skills, share knowledge.

And the winter months provide fertile ground for sharing kai and sharing skills and knowledge.

Over kai this winter lets learn from each other in delegate training, staff training, member hui, and in TEU’s first ever Action Camp (No-Retreat Retreat) – all of the skills to bring others on board with our vision of a world where all jobs are good jobs, and where all whanau have warm houses and good food, and where tertiary education is truly accessible to all.

Let’s lean into Hiwa-i-te-Rangi and make some wishes. After all, wishes are the starting point for any union, for anyone who wants to make this a better Aotearoa. The next step is sharing those wishes with others so we can plan how to achieve them.

One of the ways you can do this is by participating in Reimagining Aotearoa Together – an initiative driven by – Te Kauae Kaimahi | The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

They are hosting a series of forums with workers, delegates and the public, while also engaging with tangata whenua, community groups, NGOs and progressive allies. At each forum, there will be an opportunity to participate in engaging discussions, hear from inspiring speakers, and learn how you can get involved in shaping the future of our country.

Please register for an event here.

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one