Hutia te rito o te harakeke. Kei hea te komako e ko?
Ki mai nei ki ahau. He āha te mea nui ki tēnei ao?
Maku e ki atu. He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.
If you were to pluck out the centre of the flax bush, where would the bellbird sing?
If you were to ask me "What is the most important thing in the world?"
I would reply "It is people, it is people, it is people."
Kaumātua and Kuia are respected tribal elders within Māori society. The role of a Kaumātua/Kuia is bestowed by their hapū/iwi and not a given right due to age. However we should never disregard the knowledge and experience that older people have gathered during their life’s journey.
Kaumātua and Kuia have the capacity to teach and guide and have a good knowledge of tikanga, history and Te Reo Māori. Their contributions ensure that the mana of the whānau, hapū and iwi are maintained.
Left to Right: Nola Tanner, Hineraumoa Te Apatu, Matiu Eru and Tanira Te Au