Kotahitanga #5: Nui te aroha mo te puoro

KOTAHITANGA | COLUMN | PUORO O AOTEAROA / LOCAL MUSIC

Written by Hirimaia Eketone (they/them) | @hiri_music | Te Ao Māori Editor

Kia ora e hoa ma! Haere mai ki te Kotahitanga column. Great to be back once again.

Puoro, or music, is such an integral part of Te Ao Māori. Our waiata is a strong reminder of not only what is happening in the present, but all of our tupuna (ancestors) who watch over us and have given so much to build the life we have now. Māori or not, spiritual or otherwise, you can’t deny the power of storytelling through music. Taking that lesson into our hinengaro (brain), I’d like to introduce another puzzle piece to the world of Māori history that is a practical conversational tool for more formal settings.

The Māori word ‘whakatauki’ translates closely to the word ‘proverb.’ Whakatauki are used as an introduction to a speech or formal address. If you are chosen to speak on the Marae, whether at a tangi or celebration, knowledge of at least one whakatauki is crucial. My personal favourite is ‘Tuhia ki te rangi,’ which is a proverb that highlights the power of love. With trying times in the world lately, I think this is a proverb we all should be reinforcing in our collective wairua. Try learning this off by heart and use it next time you have to give a speech or introduce yourself!

Tuhia ki te rangi

(Write it in the sky)

Tuhia ki te whenua

(Write it in the land)

Tuhia ki te ngakau o nga tangata

(Write it in our hearts)

Ko te mea nui

Ko te aroha

(The biggest thing, is love)

Tihea mauri ora!

(Agree)

There are many more whakatauki accessible to you- have a look online and take your pick! Make sure whichever whakatauki you choose to learn is something you can live by and invest your time into. Words are powerful, remember that!

Until next time, nga mihi nui e hoa ma!