Waitā

35mm x 15mm

 

For Māori, the ocean along with all of the natural resources, was a pool of sustenance in so many ways. They looked at Waitā to determine the oceans provision for the year.
On my mothers side, our family is connected to the Hokianga harbour, Ngati Wharara is the hapu. There are many historical stories related to this sacred place. Myself, along with so many others, find it difficult to explain the sense of belonging attached to this harbour, even those not directly related.
The harbour provides more than food for the body, but also, excuse the pun, food for the soul.
This place is where both my mother and father lived and walked in their younger years, where my older siblings lived, where my ancestors found their sustenance, and where ancient Māori navigators landed when they came to Aotearoa.
The ocean provides connection to my past. Waitā reminds me of where I come from.