MANAWANUI

Tolerance, Perseverance, Determination

This artwork is inspired by Hine-Moana and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother).

Hine-Moana is known as the female element or Kaitiaki (guardian) of the ocean. Her father is Tangaroa - the great Atua who holds the ceaseless energies of the Seas.

Hine-Moana’s invasion of Papatuanuku is constant. Her daily assault is unforgiving, ebbing in and out, gnawing at her forbearer with a consistent force and destructive power. She is relentless every minute and second of every day.

Our beloved Papatuanuku, the mother of us all, so stoic and vigil in her bearing. She is forever bracing herself against her granddaughter’s systematic onslaught day in and day out. It is a battle that is timeless - one they have shared for almost an eternity, and one that will continue for as long as this world exists.

As our sacred mother and nurturer, Papatuanuku cares for her children, mokopuna (grandchildren), and all of her descendants so deeply that she is often forgiving of the pain their negative and destructive behaviours so frequently cause her from time to time.
(Excerpt from NIU - He Tangata Matauhi, Voices of our Ancestors)