Yesterday was a big day for the community of Waiwhetū and for me. It was a shared time of celebration for the many years of work has quietly been happening in the background for the people here, keeping mau rākau and mau taiaha knowledge alive by my teacher. People have been part of the TUMA school of learning for a long while. It is a history that I haven’t really been aware of, not seeing many of them on the grass now practicing with me. Perhaps I have also been focusing so much on the here and now, to be able to write a book to help the community of the future…. so the past seemed less of a focus.
And yet, yesterday, they all came out of the woodwork, from all walks of life, to support the blessing and launch of our book, and they sat alongside those in the community who I know, many of whom have never set foot in a marae, nor understand much te reo Māori. It was a beautiful mix of cultures, of fascination and interest, energy and optimism for us together. That togetherness has been my dream for so long – and to see it come to life was something that brought tears to my eyes. I was able to stand alongside the people of Te Ati awa to welcome our collective guests onto their marae, and press noses to share the breath of life with each and every one of the people here to support us. I have many people to thank for this day and for getting us to this milestone.
Thank you all.
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