Thanks to everyone that participated in our annual national Mountains to Sea wānanga in October. What a treat it was to come together in the rohe of Patuharakeke at Takahiwai Marae to explore the theme of Te Kotahitanga.
Highlights included:
- Our amazing keynote speakers; Rereata Makiha, Sheridan Waitai, Eimear Egan and Dr. Irene Middleton
- The field trips to the Whangārei Harbour Marine Reserve, Ruakākā River īnanga spawning habitat restoration project site and NIWA Hatchery.
- Uku/clay kotahitanga workshop
- Social evening with quiz night and DJ Koha
- Exploring the Poor Knights Islands and Waipū River tributaries during coordinator training and finding a Hochstetters Frog!
Common themes that emerged were centered around the power of kotahitanga/unity. It's vital to be open and make space for multiple perspectives through creating supportive and safe spaces for honest korero, and recognizing that different perspectives are an opportunity, not a threat. During our workshop we worked together to come up with a whakatauki:
Mā te ta me te hi
kia mauri tū, kia mauri rere,
ki ngā ao e rua,
hei whakakotahi ai i a tātou
From the blend of this and that we become one,
Take in the ever flowing life force, review the two worlds,
through two contexts, two perspectives,
to unite us.
Thanks to everyone who made this event possible
