Celebrating the Māori new year

For the first time in 2022, there is a newly established holiday to celebrate the Matariki, the Māori New Year. To support this, we were given the task of creating a website to celebrate and educate New Zealanders about Matariki. Timing was tight as we had 9 days to deliver it.The website would provide background on the significance of Matariki, tell stories behind key themes, and highlight events happening across Aotearoa. It would also be where Matariki branded assets could be downloaded for those wanting to show their support for the celebrations.

With the official holiday fast approaching and a large number of project partners, a hui was called to help confirm the site requirements, and make sure everyone knew their role. Potential content and functionality was discussed and agreed quickly, with a prototype developed that meant everyone was on the same page about what we were working towards. At the same time initial art direction for the site was shared with the brand creators Extended Whānau to ensure our interpretation of their design elements were appropriate. With some minor tweaks we moved it to Figma designs, which allowed further development of the site layout, design approach, and animation ideas which were then presented for feedback. Our designers and the external brand creators worked closely to find a balance of storytelling and ensuring the content could be easily accessed.

Once final designs were approved, a Webflow site was created and built based on the designs. With a test site created, everyone could view the site as it developed and quickly give feedback. Given the launch deadline the efficiencies of this approach were invaluable and key to the project's early success.

Over 9 days, a custom designed responsive website was launched, ready to share the stories and events for Matariki. We also integrated ReoAko, a te reo Māori translation tool into the site, seamlessly weaving reo throughout the content. With a clear understanding of what was required, collaboration with partners during key steps, and the ease and efficiency of Webflow, we met an incredibly tight deadline. The client was delighted with the new site and so are we. Learn about Matariki, download resources, and see events in your area:www.matariki.net.nz

"Octave were able to come on board and support us to build a website for Matariki on a very tight timeframe. They were agile, adaptive and flexible to many changes and the fast paced nature of this project. They were able to work collaboratively with many stakeholders to create a beautiful website that celebrates the first Matariki public holiday"

Jess Tawhiri — Communications Advisor, Te Māngai Pāho