Manawanui

This artwork is inspired by the story of Hinemoana and Papatuanuku — 'the ocean constantly meeting the land'. Hinemoana’s tides are relentless, carving into Papatuanuku, who endures the impact — bracing, tolerating, and ultimately accepting that this is the natural order. Their relationship reflects the deeper nature of tolerance and acceptance.

To possess tolerance is to hold strength — the willingness to accept the behaviours, ideas, and differences of others, even when they challenge us. No two people think or act the same. It is within our differences that misunderstanding often arises, yet it is also where empathy and growth begin.

Like the tide that shapes the shore, our actions ripple outward, affecting those around us. Acceptance — the act of welcoming others despite difference — softens the edges of conflict and creates space for communication, respect, and understanding.

Tolerance does not mean agreement. It means choosing compassion over judgement. When we take a moment to consider another’s experience — to walk in their shoes — we gain knowledge, perspective, and empathy. And with these, we create the conditions for connection, healing, and peace.

Through tolerance and acceptance, we lay the foundations for trust, loyalty, and unity — virtues that have the power to transform not only ourselves, but the world.