The Tapestry of Understanding

It’s said that if you want to know a culture, know their proverbs. Ngā whakataukī  are an integral part of the rich oral history of te Reo Māori; their insightful life lessons inspire reflection and personal growth. Many refer to connection with others. Te Kōngahu Museum ends with a whakatauki alongside a pounamu kōhatu (greenstone boulder) – Te Whārikī kia mōhio ai tātou ki a tātou  – The Tapestry of understanding. It embodies the weaving together of peoples and understandings in Aotearoa.

This special taonga was gifted to the Waitangi National Trust and the people of Ngāpuhi by Ngāi Tahu/ Ngāti Waewae. Its message is that understanding cannot be woven by one strand alone; only be working together can a complete tapestry be achieved. This is a fitting whakatauki as Māori Language Week ends; an unprecedented number of people took part in different ways during the week. During Mahuru Māori and beyond, we can all continue to be part of the journey to protect and promote te Reo Māori as a taonga that gives Aotearoa its unique cultural identity. Toku reo, toku ohooho — (My language, My awakening)

Read Te Whārikī

This online article gives more information about the significance of Te Whārikī as it relates to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Explore whakataukī – often a valuable glimpse into the past and te Ao Māori.

20/9/2020  Imogen Rider