Pūtahi a whenua : voices flowing as one

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION: How can an enhanced tangata – whenua relationship strengthen hapū connection and identity?

ABSTRACT: The connection of whānau to whenua is made through interactions of memory, story, affection and learnings crafted by generational experience. Successes are not only demonstrated in the waiata we sing, the pūrākau we recount, or the kōrero we share, but in the care we exhibit toward whakapapa. Connections can become strained when whanaunga are elsewhere, reconnection can produce anxiety and reduced confidence when leaving the familiar. We recount our pepeha with pride and revel in the embrace of an Aunty, but it can still seem that we are only visiting our marae or wāhi tapu. This research aims to strengthen connection to our rohe through whenua based mātauranga so that these links to our identity can be taken up by our whanaunga, regaining that confidence to come home and engage.

A mapping platform is the strategy to act as an initial orientation and engagement guide while also being a self generated repository resource. Publicly accessable datasets have been utilised, providing a base for select narratives to demonstrate the potential of this platform, encouraging further development in the future. The rohe of Ngāti Korokoro, Ngāti Whārara and Te Poukā in south Hokianga provides location and scale, centering around whenua connecting our four marae (Waimamaku, Waiwhatawhata, Kokohuia and Maraeroa). This platform provides a beginning to be built upon into the future.

Key findings of this research include the importance of following a research methodology that is in step with the world view of community involved, Kaupapa Māori Rangahau. An example is being greeted by our own names when first opening ‘Kākano Tupu o te Hononga’, English may follow, but Te Reo greets. We are talking about our mātauranga flourishing while connected to the whenua where it was enacted. Understanding that it is our connection to all things through whakapapa that makes this whenua tūrangawaewae. Harnessing new technologies to work for our outcomes, our world view: to reach our people and encourage them home. This resource is created to be an evolving one. The future will bring a richness that avoids stagnation and allows our flourishing and growth together.