I have been working on my pepeha. Although I haven't yet memorized it by heart, I am content with having a pepeha that provides context about my relationship to Aotearoa. As a Pākehā, it can be challenging to understand how to position ourselves within our bicultural environment. Through my journey into Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori, I've discovered a stronger connection to my cultural identity as a New Zealander of European descent, achieved by gaining a deeper comprehension of my whakapapa and how that connects to my role as Tangata Tiriti. I observe that my children, having Mātauranga Māori at school, form a distinct connection to their Pākehā heritage in a manner different from how I was taught. I am excited about the direction we are moving towards and the implications it carries for our collective identity in Aotearoa, as we progress with the revitalization of Te Reo Māori, Mātauranga Māori, and the entirety of Te Ao Māori.
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