Our Maori Ancestors incorporated much
of their natural environment into their
daily lives. This meant nothing was used
or taken without first giving thanks to
the individual Kaitiaki (guardian) who
protected that particular resource.
Karakia (blessings) and rituals were
always carried out prior to hunting,
gathering or harvesting. For example, it
was customary to offer the first catch to
Tangaroa (guardian of the oceans), or
the first bird snared to Tane (guardian of
the forests). Giving thanks for the gifts
provided by the various Kaitiaki was a
very big deal and failure to do so was an
absolute violation.
Rahui was (is) a monitoring system of
protection and regeneration which
restricted access to certain areas for the
purpose of replenishing resources. It was
used often to prevent carelessness and
exploitation of the gifts produced by the
Atua (Gods), especially that of
Papatuanuku (Earth Mother). The
obligation to conserve and care for her
well-being was taken very seriously.
Gratitude plays an important role in
attaining a harmonious balance. Our
mental, physical and spiritual aspects of
our being rely on it in order for us to
shine brighter and grow stronger.
Acknowledging and appreciating the
things we have in life - our lessons, gifts,
the experiences we accumulate along
our chosen pathway, is what gratitude is
all about. Because essentially, the more
we are in a state of thankfulness, the
more we will attract the things we
appreciate. This means noticing what is
around us and experiencing the present -
feeling the oneness of being alive!
(Excerpt from NIU - He Tangata Matauhi, Voices of our Ancestors)