RTL Technical Manager Shane Murray shares his journey from Cape Town to Auckland, to  embracing Te reo Māori, highlighting how celebrating cultural differences creates meaningful connections during this special Matariki season.

Moving from South Africa to New Zealand represents a significant life transition. What aspects of Māori culture resonated with you most deeply, and what elements of your South African heritage do you find yourself holding onto?The Māori people's resilience and adaptability to the arrival of European settlers while still maintaining who they are as a people—that's what resonated with me most powerfully. There are actually some parallels with South African indigenous cultures in this respect, though the historical contexts differ significantly. I still hold onto the South African values of community and ubuntu—the belief that we are who we are because of others. I see similar threads in Māori concepts like whanaungatanga, which emphasizes relationships and shared experiences.

Matariki is a time for gratitude. Despite the challenges this year, what are you most thankful for both professionally and personally?
For the people in my life—colleagues and friends. This year has brought its share of difficulties, but the relationships I've built both at RTL and in my personal life have been my anchor.Professionally, I'm grateful for an environment where I can apply my technical knowledge while also growing culturally. 

The Matariki 2025 theme "Matariki mā Puanga: Celebrating Together" speaks to unity despite different traditions. As someone bridging multiple cultures, what does this theme mean to you?We are all people with differences, and by celebrating and sharing each other's cultures and traditions—our differences—through the sharing of food has been a huge connector of people. I've found that sharing a meal creates a natural space for cultural exchange without pressure. Also appreciating each other’s languages is a big one for me – I was grateful to be able to study Te Reo Māori at Open Polytech. 

What advice would you offer to other immigrants adapting to life in New Zealand while trying to honour both their heritage and their new home?
Do not only hold on to and try to connect with what is familiar. Embrace your new country with all its beauty and diversity.Taking the step to study Te Reo wasn't just about language—it was about understanding a worldview. You don't have to abandon your roots to put down new ones. In fact, I've found that understanding Māori culture has given me fresh perspectives on my South African heritage.

Will you be participating in any Matariki celebrations this year? If so, what aspects of the celebration are you most looking forward to experiencing?
I will be attending a few family events over the weekend. One is at the Orewa Estuary Arts Centre this coming Saturday. I am also looking forward to the celebration we have coming up at work on Thursday.

As we celebrate Matariki 2025, Shane's experience reminds us that cultural exchange is not about erasing differences but celebrating them. The theme "Matariki mā Puanga: Celebrating Together" comes alive through stories like his—where the stars that guide us might have different names in different traditions, but they still illuminate our shared human experience.