He Whenua Kanorau, He Whenua Manawaroa: Diverse and resilient landscapes

Me uru kahikatea: Let us be like the kahikatea

In this interactive image, we use the illustration of a thriving kahikatea tree to portray the key social and cultural concepts and processes involved in diversifying whenua Māori. The image shows a kahikatea centred within a grove. Kahikatea are not only our tallest native trees but they also grow together with their roots interconnecting to provide stability and support for each other. Our image therefore speaks to the importance of standing together and being interconnected for strength and unity.

Key social and cultural concepts and processes are represented by kupu (words) that are nestled within different zones in and around the kahikatea. The soil includes concepts that are generally unseen but vital for (re)establishing the intimate relationship between whenua and tāngata whenua (te ao Māori, mātauranga Māori, tikanga, whakapapa, Papatūānuku). Similarly, the fertility of soil is necessary for seeds to germinate. The roots, which sustain plant life through nutrient and water transfer, include the unseen concepts and processes that are driven by social and cultural responsibilities (manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, trusting relationships, kotahitanga, ahi kā, challenging regulation, disrupting systems). The trunk includes more visible social concepts and processes (weaving knowledges, secure resourcing, empowered tāngata, effective governance). Finally, the canopy includes visions for a thriving whenua (mana motuhake, flourishing mauri, thriving community, healing), encompassing both environmental and human wellbeing.

For whānau Māori, these concepts and processes may relate to your own journey with whānau and whenua. What are your first impressions? How do you think of, and view, these concepts in relation to your own whenua? Do you think being more aware of these concepts could help you and your whānau overcome any of the challenges associated with whenua Māori? We would love to hear from you about whether this image speaks to you, your whānau, and your whenua.

For tangata tiriti, these concepts and processes may relate to your own relationship with the land. Are they represented in dominant approaches to land use in Aotearoa? What needs to change for Māori to fulfil their aspirations, and how can tangata tiriti act as partners in this journey? Thinking about these questions can be uncomfortable, but we will all benefit if whenua Māori is able to transition to more diverse and resilient land uses.

Exploring the image

We encourage you to explore this interactive in any order that comes naturally. By hovering and clicking the cursor over each kupu, you will be provided with more information about its meaning. This includes quotes from participating pūkenga [whenua Māori practitioners and experts], which illustrate how the kupu relates to their own whenua journey. To see the location of all the interactive elements, click on the hand symbol in the top right-hand corner.