Webinar: A Te Ao Māori perspective on the maunga trees
WEBINAR
A Te Ao Māori perspective on the maunga tree issue in the context of relationships
with the taiao (natural world)
and with each other
with the taiao (natural world)
and with each other
7-8 pm, Tuesday 2 November 2021 via Zoom
Yo Heta-Lensen (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine)
Mt Albert resident and longstanding Honour the Maunga supporter
Shirley Waru (Te Rarawa o Ngāpui / Te Uri o Tai)
Leader of the Respect Mt Richmond / Ōtāhuhu maunga tree protection group
You are invited to join us for a Te Ao Māori perspective on Tūpuna Maunga Authority's plans to rid Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland's maunga of around 2500 exotic trees. In this webinar our Tangata Whenua presenters will discuss how adhering to traditional Māori cultural and spiritual values would see a very different approach being taken to the current one – an approach that respects Papatūānuku / Mother Earth and her children, while facilitating good relationships between all peoples.
Yo will discuss the maunga tree situation in the context of Te Ao Māori principles of whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (hospitality, kindness and respect) in relation to:
· honouring all trees’ whakapapa to Papatūānuku / Mother Earth
· protecting the whenua (land)
· facilitating good relationships between tangata (all people)
· protecting taonga (treasured possessions)
She will also describe a conversation she had with an Aboriginal elder as they walked past a stand of eucalyptus trees on the maunga.
Shirley will talk about how mātauranga Māori underpins her decision to lead an occupation of Mt Richmond / Ōtāhuhu if and when Tūpuna Maunga Authority moves to destroy that maunga’s 443 exotic trees. She will also discuss her concerns around how the Authority is breaching tikanga (correct protocols) in the way it is treating local communities and the environment.
There will be the opportunity for questions if time permits. Feel free to email your questions ahead of time to honourthemaunga@gmail.com and we can include responses in the presentation if possible.