Aotearoa has been the land of the Māori people for over 700 years. I believe it is my responsibility to acknowledge and respect that. My whānau have been "Kiwis" for four generations before me and it is past time to embrace a "kiwi" culture. "Kiwi culture" for me has to involve the speaking of Te Reo and the practising of the culture (ahurea) that has been part of this land (whenua) for centuries - guardianship of our land (kaitiaki) and caring for each other (manaaki) - cornerstones of a beautiful culture that places people (tangata) at the center. For me personally, Māori culture connects to me at a deep level, it simply feels correct, relevant and true. I encourage everyone to embrace it with an open heart and connect as one people with the tradition of this land that we all call home. My dream is for a country of diverse peoples who enjoy their own historical culture, but all share the historical culture of Aotearoa. As citizens of this land it is only proper that we embrace and reflect the first culture of it. Kia tapatahi, kia kotahi rā.