Category: Culture

For me, Matariki 2024 is about living by the words that Kīng Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Tūheitia Paki spoke at a national hui, held at Tūrangawaewae Marae on January 20th this year. 

“Just be Māori … build kotahitanga (unity with others) … build our future … We are all in this together … the way forward needs to bring peace and unity for everybody. These issues (around the strategic erosion of Mana Tiriti by elements of our present government) are bigger than politics … it won’t be easy … there’s more mahi (work) to do.”

My contribution in this Matariki issue of Coromind is a karakia and an interpretation of its meaning in English.

Educating the younger generation about conservation is crucial for the future of our planet. By creating a love for nature and wildlife, we allow them to become future conservationists who actively care for our environment. As someone who has looked after wild birds for many many years, I always felt it was an important part of my role.