When I was around 14, my family and some family friends went on a waka tour down the Whanganui awa guided by local Māori. As we paddled down the awa over the next few days, we were immersed in the stories of the local people, and their way of life. We slept at local marae on our way down, one of which could only be accessed by boat. There is one memory I have that is particularly beautiful. A heavy mist lay over the river as we paddled from the marae landing on our third day. As we drifted off, the woman who looked after the marae sang a karanga (ceremonial call) to us, that we could hear even as she faded into the mist. Even at that young age I could feel the spiritual connection these people had to their natural environment and the sense of fulfilment it brought to their lives. It’s inspired me to keep finding ways to connect deeply with nature as I’ve grown up.
Manawatū-Whanganui | Whanganui | 2000-09 | Whānau & community
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