The Secret Diary of...

Steve Braunias reads the stars for what’s really going on in 2026. IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
Steve Braunias reads the stars for what’s really going on in 2026. IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES
2026 is the Year of the Horse, and the trick for many of us will be to learn to ride it or risk it riding you good and proper. Horse years are passionate, dynamic, a time for strength; a nice cup of tea and a lie-down will have to wait. Those born in previous horse years — 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 — will flourish in 2026, and find their true nature and purpose. The rest of us will need to study the field and back a winner. There are fortunes to be made and misfortunes to be suffered. Happy New Year!

CAPRICORN (December 23-January 20)

E noho e, kia raungāwari: "sit down and bide your time". Until January 12, i.e. Monday. Then it’s off to the races, in a year that will seldom slow down. Think fast, and act without thinking. Follow the example of royal Capricorn, Catherine, Princess of Wales. She turned 44 on January 9; she’s an old hand at maintaining serenity in chaos. Your finances will boom and romance will boomerang. Avoid fruit and Mosgiel. Remember that referral marketing is one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to grow a business.

AQUARIUS (January 21-February 19)

E kore a muri e hokia: "what is done is done". A stoical philosophy is the best way to learn from your mistakes, even though others were more at fault and some of them ought to go to jail. Revenge is a dish best served in October or thereabouts. Asking the right question is key in 2026. Look to the example of Mike Hosking, who turns 61 on January 24. Stay on top of your inbox. Not taking action with your emails is a productivity killer and a credibility risk.

PISCES (February 20-March 20)

He rā ki tua: "better times are coming". Things are already great for you in so many ways and they’re only going to improve. You have the Midas touch; reach out, and touch everything. Get a good financial adviser. That definitely applies to financially challenged Piscean, Nicola Willis, who turns 45 on March 13. Study hard, and party harder. People are going to talk about you so you may as well give them something to talk about. Relax your hold on narrative. Use AI-powered planning tools to create content outlines.

ARIES (March 21-April 20)

Kua hua te marama: "something has completed a full cycle". In all truth that might only be as profound as the wash or spin cycle on your laundry. Domesticity gets bad press but place value in its comforts and solitude. Many are hoping that Arian ancient Winston Peters, who turns 81 on April 11, stays home more often. Romance heads south — to Invercargill. Take the road less travelled. You need a hobby. Arts and crafts might appeal, or dagging. Real productivity thrives when your mindset is flexible, compassionate, and future-focused.

TAURUS (April 21-May 21)

I orea te tuatara ka puta ki waho: "a problem is solved by continuing to find solutions". Simple answers only go so far. Go further, and complicate things. Make a choice. Hitler was a Taurean but so was Florence Nightingale. You have it in you to lead the way with a lamp. Travel beckons, by sea; a cruise will take your further, but a yacht will take you deeper. When you lead yourself well, you lead others from a place of authenticity, stability, and strength. Wellness is the key to everything.

GEMINI (May 22-June 21)

He maurea kai whiria: "ignore small matters and direct effort towards important projects". The most important project is your health. Bathe often, and see your family doctor. 2026 is a year of rest and retirement. Avoid the news media. They don’t have your best interests at heart. Attend to your legend. Marilyn Monroe was a Gemini but so is Donald Trump. Your candle burned out long ago; your debts never will. Do your planning for the following week on a Friday. Then head for the bar.