Rā Charmian Releases New Bilingual Single ‘Matariki, e ara’
Auckland musical duo Rā Charmian (Rā Toia Booth and Hayden Booth) are releasing their new bilingual single, Matariki, e ara, on 6 July to celebrate Matariki and the Māori New Year.
Written together, the song was inspired by the quiet invitation that Matariki brings each year, to slow down, spend time with yourself, reflect on the people and moments that have shaped you, express gratitude for the year that’s been, and look ahead with hope.
“For us, Matariki is one of the most meaningful times of the year,” say Rā and Hayden. “Life moves so quickly that we don’t often give ourselves permission to stop. Matariki reminds us to sit still for a moment, remember the people we’ve lost, celebrate the people still beside us, reconnect with the natural world, and think intentionally about the year ahead.”
Blending English lyrics with te reo Māori, Matariki, e ara captures those themes of remembrance, gratitude and renewal through gentle contemporary production and intimate storytelling.
Rather than telling one specific story, the song is an invitation for listeners to bring their own experiences into it, whether they’re remembering a loved one, reflecting on the past year, or setting intentions for the year to come.
Matariki, e ara is now available on all major streaming platforms.
