Mana Whenua - Taku Kai, Taku Oranga

Strength from/of the Land | Peoples' Sustenance | Peoples' Well-being

The appearance of Matariki in late May early June, welcomes in the new year for Aotearoa. It is an important part of Maori culture which signifies a period of coming together to reflect on the past, present and future.

The time of Matariki symbolises rebirth, growth and togetherness - human needs that are fundamental to our existence. We are connected to the Whenua (land). Her name is Papatuanuku, she is considered the mother of us all, the one who nurtures our wholeness. She is very much part of our physical and spiritual being and connection.

Whenua cannot be owned in the Western sense, as we simply borrow and take care of the land. This concept is passed on down through generations via Whakapapa. The pull of one’s Whenua, to one’s Marae (sacred meeting grounds), will always bring us back to place our feet in the soil from which we came. This is our turangawaewae - our place of being.

In a Maori world, women are considered the life givers of their Iwi (tribe) and custodians of its preservation. Mana Whenua; Taku Kai, Taku Oranga is a celebration and tribute to Wahine Maori - their roles as mothers, nurturers, knowledge holders, life bearers and protectors of future generations ... ‘Kaitiaki o nga Mana Whenua’.