Here I stand in the sacred domain of Tāne I look within the forest for the family To the many birds, to the many trees To all of the creatures of our world For they give life to everyone Tū ana ahau ki te wao tapu nui a Tāne Ka titiro atu ki te whānauContinue reading “Words and music: A Homage to Tāne”
Tag Archives: New Zealand history
Words of a Kaumātua: When you want a smile, give yours away
When you want a smile, give yours away When you want affection, you give affection When you help people, they help you When you want love, give your love Kua rongo ake au… Tuku whakamoemiti, āta haere ki te ākau Mā te wā koe e tiaki e manaaki e kākahu Ki ngā hua o ōuContinue reading “Words of a Kaumātua: When you want a smile, give yours away”
A Collection of Māori proverbs for you to keep and use
The Māori language is one of the most beautiful languages in the world. Here are 60 proverbs for you to keep and use. #TeWikioteReoMāori #MāoriLanguageWeek #MahuruMaori.
The Māori legend of two sisters Rehutai and Tangimoana
This painting by Bronwyn Waipuka illustrates a story by Wairarapa kaumātua (elder) Mita Carter. Rehutai and Tangimoana were beautiful twin sisters who lived on the banks of the Ruamāhanga River. They both fell in love with Rautoroa, a handsome warrior, but he could not decide which to marry. Rehutai asked Tangimoana to fetch some water from aContinue reading “The Māori legend of two sisters Rehutai and Tangimoana”
The Māori legend of Pania: Kaitiaki and taniwha of the reef, retold as street art
Pania is the legendary Kaitiaki (guardian/protector) of the reef in local Maori legend and her wairua (spirit) is connected strongly to the moana (ocean) close by to the town of Napier. Legend has it that Pania was a shimmering and iridescently beautiful maiden who lives in the sea and following a human encounter and a brokenContinue reading “The Māori legend of Pania: Kaitiaki and taniwha of the reef, retold as street art”
Words and Music: A Homage to Tangaroa
I speak forward to the spirit of the great sea To the waves to the sea foam to the sea’s many children The children are singing the drifting songs of the ocean They are the children of Tangaroa and the ocean of Kiwa! Kōrero atu ana ahau ki te ia o te moana Te Hukatai,Continue reading “Words and Music: A Homage to Tangaroa”
Kaumātua wisdom: I’m a seed scattered across the Pacific
Kua rongo ake au… Kia tau te whakaaro pai Aroha tētahi ki tētahi, āhurutia ā tātau tamariki Ki te aroha, nā, he aroha pai ano hoki mōu ake I have learned that… It makes good sense to say We are here to learn to love one another And for the sake of our children, acceptContinue reading “Kaumātua wisdom: I’m a seed scattered across the Pacific”
E Pii, e Paa: A poem by Haare Williams
This week is Māori Language Week/ Te wiki o Te Reo Māori. So I will be sharing some beautiful poems, proverbs and words in Māori and English for you to enjoy. Here is a poem by Haare Williams from his incredible book of wisdom: Words of a Kaumātua. E Pii, e Paa tiny bees swarmingContinue reading “E Pii, e Paa: A poem by Haare Williams”
Wāhanga o Te Rā/ Times of the Day in Māori
Learn some new words in Māori during Mahuru Māori/Māori Language Month. Here are the various times of the day…enjoy! Waenganui pō – Midnight Te Pō – Night Atapō – Before Dawn Ata Hapāra – Breath of Dawn Atatū – Just after sunrise Awatea – River of Light Ata – Morning Poupoutanga o te rā –Continue reading “Wāhanga o Te Rā/ Times of the Day in Māori”
Book Review: Words of a Kaumātua by Haare Williams
A compelling, rich and lush blend of essay, poetry, reflections and personal stories by one of New Zealand’s most preeminent Māori writers. I have to admit that I didn’t know much about Haare Williams before picking up this book in Te Papa Museum in Wellington. This is a definitive collection of Māori wisdom that isContinue reading “Book Review: Words of a Kaumātua by Haare Williams”
