Navigation for Te Ahi Kaa

11 April 2010

"Ko te Mauri he mea huna ko te Moana."
The life principle or life force is hidden in the sea.

This week's whakatāuki was explained by Angela Wallace nō Ngati Whātua, Kai tahu

How does a marae counteract the misconception that it's only ever used for tangihanga? Maraea Rakuraku spends the day at Tukorehe Pa in Otaki with siblings Lindsay and Moira Poutama; Ailya Paul and Katerina Williams, who describe the different ways in which they're keeping their marae busy and encouraging cross-generational interest with communal gardens, a native nursery, mau rakau classes and a variety of education programmes.

The Urban Kainga exhibition (16 January-28 March, 2010) at the City Gallery in Wellington featured Reweti Arapere, Siliga David Setoga, Terry Koloamatangi Klavenes and Nick McFarlane giving their spin on identity as products of the South Pacific. Maraea Rakuraku tours the artworks with Maori and Pacific art curator, Reuben Friend.

Reviewing the book Tāhuhu Kōrero: The Sayings of Taitokerau strengthened Angela Wallace's connections with the maternal side of her whakapapa. She explains all to Maraea Rakuraku.

It Is It Self (2009), Siliga David Setoga. Photo: Andrew Beck.
It Is It Self (2009), Siliga David Setoga. Photo: Andrew Beck.