There’s something special about Matariki. It invites us to slow down, reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate the people we love and dream about where we’re headed next. It’s a time rich in meaning, making it the perfect season to choose keepsakes that tell a story rather than simply complete an outfit.
That’s exactly what Pandora has captured in its newest New Zealand-exclusive collaboration with Wellington’s Dreamgirls Art Collective – a collection that feels every bit as meaningful as it is beautiful.
Created in partnership with celebrated artists Miriama Grace-Smith, Xoë Hall and Gina Kiel, the limited-edition charm collection draws inspiration from the nine stars of the Matariki cluster. Each charm represents one of the stars and the values they embody, from remembrance and abundance to hope, dreams and new beginnings.
Rather than creating jewellery that’s simply decorative, the collection encourages wearers to choose the stories that resonate most with them. Whether you’re honouring someone you’ve lost, embracing a fresh chapter or reminding yourself to keep reaching for your biggest dreams, each charm becomes a personal symbol of what matters most.
The collaboration extends well beyond jewellery. In Wellington’s creative quarter, Dreamgirls has transformed a city streetscape with a striking large-scale mural celebrating wāhine, connection and the enduring power of storytelling. Bursting with vibrant colour, the artwork features a contemporary wahine surrounded by symbols inspired by each of the nine Matariki stars, creating a joyful tribute to culture, community and possibility.
It’s this connection between public art and wearable art that makes the collaboration feel so unique. The same stories woven into the mural have been translated into charms that can be worn every day, allowing people to carry a little piece of Matariki with them long after the stars have faded from the winter sky.
“Matariki is a time to pause, reflect on those who have come before us and think about the future we’re creating together,” says artist Miriama Grace-Smith. “We wanted this artwork to celebrate those ideas in a way that feels hopeful, joyful and alive.”
For Pandora, the partnership marks its first collaboration with New Zealand artists and reflects a shared commitment to creativity, storytelling and self-expression. It’s a celebration not only of Matariki, but of the artists helping to shape Aotearoa’s creative landscape.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift this Matariki – or simply want to mark the season with something meaningful – this collection offers more than sparkle. Each charm is a reminder of the people we cherish, the dreams we’re nurturing and the stories that continue to guide us.
Because sometimes the most treasured jewellery isn’t about making a statement. It’s about carrying a little piece of your story wherever life takes you.
ABOUT PANDORA
Pandora is the world’s largest jewellery brand. Pandora’s hand-finished jewellery crafted from high-quality materials offers endless possibilities for personalisation empowering people to express their personal style through its pieces. Starting as a small jewellery shop in Copenhagen, Denmark more than 40 years ago, today Pandora is present in over 100 countries. Pandora is committed to leadership in sustainability and crafts its jewellery with 100% recycled silver and gold, as the company has set out to halve greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2030.