Kia ora e aku mokopuna,

Ko Ruapehu, ko Muarangi ngā maunga

Ko Whanganui, ko Wairoa ngā awa

Ko Aotea, ko Māhuhu ki te Rangi ngā waka

Ko Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, ko Ngāti Whātua ōku iwi

Ko Ngāti Hau, ko Te Uri O Hau ōku hapū

Ko Patiarero (Hiruhārama), ko Waikaretu ngā marae

Ko Nikita Yardley tōku ingoa

Today I am 34 years old, and I have only just begun learning te reo Māori. For many years, I searched for my whakapapa, as I wasn’t brought up knowing my whānau or origins. Discovering my roots and beginning to learn te reo has given me a sense of belonging.

Māori have fought to protect our language, culture, land, and the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Their efforts allow us to continue learning, speaking, and passing on these taonga.

My hope for you, 50 years from now, is that Māori voices are respected, our culture is celebrated, and our communities are strong and united - embracing te reo, history, and each other with pride.

Speak te reo, share our stories, and look after our whenua, it is a gift from our tūpuna.

Aroha nui,

Nikita