Matariki: 5 investing tips to kickstart the new year

Published: 6 July 2026 

Matariki marks the Māori New Year, guided by the rising of the star cluster that shares its name. It is a time to remember, reflect and look ahead. As the days grow longer again, many of us are thinking about what we want for the year ahead. For ourselves, our whānau and our future.

It is also a natural moment to reset your finances.

Taking a little time now to check in on your money can help you feel more in control and more confident about what is ahead. Whether you are planning for something big or simply wanting a bit more breathing room, investing can play a part.

Here are 5 practical ways to get started or refocus this Matariki.

1. Start with your goals  

Matariki is a time to think about what matters most. Your financial goals should reflect that. 

Maybe you are thinking about improving your home, building an emergency fund or saving for a comfortable retirement. Your goals might have changed over the past year, and that is completely normal. 

The clearer you are about what you are aiming for, the easier it becomes to make decisions that support those goals. It can also help to check in on the investments you already have in place, such as your KiwiSaver account, and use tools like the MAS KiwiSaver Retirement Calculator to see whether you are still on track for a comfortable retirement.  

2. Understand your comfort with risk 

All investing involves some level of risk. That means the value of your investment can go up and down over time. 

One of the most important things is understanding how much risk you feel comfortable with. Some people are happy to accept more ups and downs in the hope of higher returns. Others prefer more stability, even if that means slower growth. 

There is no right or wrong answer. What matters is that your investments match your comfort level so you can stay the course when markets move. Taking the time to understand your comfort with risk can help you choose a fund that suits your approach. The MAS Fund Finder tool can support this by considering your risk appetite and goals, helping you invest with confidence. 

3. Make a plan and stick to it 

A simple plan can keep you grounded, especially when life gets busy or markets feel uncertain. Having a plan in place means you are less likely to be distracted by day to day demands or short term market movements, and more likely to stay focused on your long-term goals. 

Decide how you will invest, whether that is a one-off amount, regular contributions or a mix of both. Setting up automatic payments can make this easier, helping you stay consistent without needing to think about it. Regular investing can also help smooth out the ups and downs of the market over time, so you are not relying on trying to time the market.  

The most important part is sticking to your plan. Good habits, repeated over time, can make a real difference.

4. Give it time 

Investing is not a quick win. It is something that grows over time. 

Think about when you might need to access your money and choose a fund that aligns with that timeframe. For example, a conservative fund may be more suitable for a timeframe of around 3 years, while a growth fund may be better suited to a timeframe of 10 years or more. 

Regular contributions, even small amounts, can also help build momentum over time. Consistency often matters more than timing. Tools like Feijoa can help make this easier by automatically rounding up your everyday purchases and investing the spare change into your MAS KiwiSaver Scheme account, so you can build your savings without having to think about it. 

For example, saving $5 a week, starting from a zero balance, and earning an average return of 5% per year compounded annually, could grow to $3,270 after 10 years and $8,597 after 20 years.*. This is a simple illustration of how small, consistent contributions, combined with compounding returns, can add up over time. 

5. Expect ups and downs  

Market movements are a normal part of investing. Values will rise and fall at times, and it can feel unsettling when they do. 

Matariki reminds us that cycles are part of life. The same is true for investing. 

Having clear goals and a plan in place can help you stay focused through those ups and downs. Instead of reacting to every change and potentially locking in your losses, you can keep your attention on where you are heading. Building your financial knowledge over time, chatting to a MAS Adviser and having open conversations with the people around you can also help give you confidence and support to stay on track. 

A fresh start to the new year 

Matariki is about looking forward with intention. A small step now can set the tone for the year ahead. 

If you are thinking about investing, take your time, ask questions and make choices that feel right for you. Whether that means reviewing your MAS KiwiSaver Scheme retirement savings, exploring MAS Investment Funds for additional flexibility in how you manage your investments, or simply setting goals for the future, what matters most is taking that next step with confidence. If you’d like to chat to a MAS Adviser about your financial goal, give us a call on 0800 800 627 or email info@mas.co.nz 

Disclaimers 

This article is of a general nature only and is not a substitute for individually tailored advice. MAS is a licensed financial advice provider. Our financial advice disclosure statement is available by visiting mas.co.nz or by calling 0800 800 627. 

Medical Funds Management Limited is the issuer and manager of MAS KiwiSaver Scheme and MAS Investment Funds. The Product Disclosure Statement for each Scheme is available at mas.co.nz. 

*Calculated by compounding annually at 5% over 10 and 20 years. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Results can be negative as well as positive. No person guarantees returns. This is general information only and is not intended to constitute financial advice.