My why? Reo helps me to understanding my tupuna and their teachings better, whilst the things I do and the associated kupu I use is the continuation of that connection. A word, sentence, and the associated tikanga for a certain activity that I practice has come from my tupuna, and through me it will continue to those that are after me in my line. This photo is the manifestation of the continued understanding passed down to me, and that connection to my tupuna. (Otherwise my photo would have looked very bare if I didn't take heed or understand their teachings). Shared activities like kaimoana gatherings provides my whānau and I with the opportunity to learn meanings, pronunciation and USE kupu like Tangaroa, tikanga, moana, wai, kai, kūtai, kina, pipi, toheroa, kōura paptea, pātiki, paua, kaimoana, karoro, and many more. Also use simple sentences such as 'Kua orua te moana", or when telling others that weren't there 'Karekare kau ana te tai ki Maunganui. " These activity associated kupu and simple sentences are then shared amongst friends who then share it to their friends all the while helping to normalise the kupu/reo and its use within our communities. Its my way to assist with the revitalisation and acceptance of te reo.