Ko Whangatauatia te Maunga

Ko Kariri-Kura me Te Oneroa a Tohe Te Moana

Ko Wairoa te Awa

Ko Tinana te Waka

Ko Roma te Marae

Ko Te Ohaki te Whare Tuupuna

Ko Patukirikiri me Ngatikuri ngā Hapu

Ko Te Rarawa me Ngāpuhi Nui Tonu ngā Iwi

Ko Poro te Tangata

Ko Ahipara te Papakainga toku Turangawaewae

Ko Asaeli Pene Toku Ingoa

I submitted by first paper for marking last week, being ‘Concept Journals on Human rights and Social Justice’, a 600-1000 word report on Legislation. As an 18 year old, I am now a student who is studying to gain my Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Social Work.

Whakākoranga (education) has played an influential role in wanting to share with youth about “standing tall, and being proud of who you are”.   Three years of my life will be dedicated to this as a way to further enhance and experience hauora.

I reflect on many things, one being the determination and strength of my Mum Wanita, who is the backbone to myself and my family’s success.  The road hasnt been an easy one to say the least, however it has been one of trial and error, and I expect more of those challenges to present themselves along the way, through life. 

I refer back to a really good friend who spoke at Nga Manu Korero in 2016: https://tehiku.nz/te-hiku-tv/nga-manu-korero-2016-nationals/4142/jireh-komene-impromptu-speech-from-the-korimako-section

It pertained to Youth and I was reminded about how change can be achieved with hard work and determination.

Bullying as a school student is where my journey began, one that would change my path to understand what health meant and why there is struggle in our Māori communites. The wero

(challenge) now became mine,  how could I make a difference to  influence change in schools, individuals and especally with youth.  To have more culturally appropriate initiatives and thinking in areas where Māori struggle, is something that I strive to positively change.  I believe that reconnecting youth with Tikanga helps their Wairua (spirit) to flourish.  As I prepare to be part of the Tuia Program – Leadership program that is run by Mayor Sheryl Mai, I know that my hauora is enhanced  through being spiritually (Wairua) and mentally (Hinengaro) in tune to help me achieve the things I set out to achieve. 

Through keeping my tinana (body) active,  I am able to walk strongly.  Keeping traditions alive through gathering kai, and when I return to Ahipara during the holidays, it supports my mauri (whole being).  A time of noa (calm) is experienced and felt through whanaungatanga, family gatherings. Nga korero o nga wā ō mua,   is a time where my siblings and I get to talk, laugh and share stories of the times that have passed.  I believe that all of these things help to keep me grounded in who I am, and what I value as an 18 year old Māori tane.  Mauri ora.