Kotahitanga #9: Aotearoa

KOTAHITANGA | COLUMN | TE AO MĀORI | TANGATA WHENUA / LOCAL

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

Aotearoa is a beautiful country full of diverse multi-cultural practices. Known for our stunning landscapes and dreamy beaches, it’s no wonder so many people have decided to make this place their home. As we explore the ataahua nature of all things local, I want to introduce some of my favourite Māori names for our wondrous cities.

Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau

Wellington - Pōneke

Hamilton - Kirikiriroa

Christchurch - Ōtautahi

Dunedin - Ōtepoti

There is something to be said about the connection these names have to how our community works in Aotearoa. It is a well known fact that not every Kiwi is thrilled about the amount of Te Reo Māori in public spaces. Our current government seems hell-bent on reverting the hard work that went into revitalising Te Reo by stopping access to funding across most creative or independent organisations and stripping the current Te Reo Māori alternatives at corporate companies. They are investing millions of dollars into moving New Zealand BEFORE Aotearoa on the NZ Passport, which I think is absolutely absurd. Not only is this decision a waste of time, money and resources, it also demonstrates an absolute disrespect for those who have come before. 

Throughout my time as Te Ao Māori editor at Debate, I have been striving to include as much Te Reo as possible, through my column and any other pieces I’ve written. My hope is that through these pieces you can learn more and more of the beautiful reo that is Te Reo Māori. The importance of encouraging reo growth is paramount, and I cannot understate how vital it is to keep the spark of the reo alive throughout the motu. Our local culture and community is something people travel to experience, so let’s strive together to continue protecting this taonga we hold in our hands.

By using the Te Reo Māori names for our cities, we continue to build atop years of work to revitalise, encourage and bond through Māori culture. I cannot stress enough how important it is to do our best when Māori pushback is at an all time high. Be proud of being a Kiwi, be proud of coming from a country melting pot of cultures, stories and experiences. Encourage others to include small amounts of Te Reo into your day to day life- start small, and watch it grow.

‘He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.’

What is the most important thing in the world? The people, the people, the people.