Our purpose is to be an invaluable educational resource based on the life’s work of Mary Kawena Pūku ‘ i. The following is offered as a result of observing what transpired during the homecoming activities of our Hōkūle ‘ a and to respond to inquiries made thereafter. The term ariki means "chief" in English and they are referred to as the chiefs or patriarchs of all waters.Ĭomplete the Importance of Awa to Māori quiz.An observation and commentary concerning the ‘ awa ceremony conducted on June 17, 2017, as part of the homecoming of H ō k ū le ‘ a. Wai-ariki: (hot springs or curative waters). Refers to a river or part of a river which through some mishap has caused death, much pain and grieving to the tribe. This term also refers to rough or angry water as in surf, waves or sea tides. Geographically it refers to sluggish water, stagnant or back water. It is dangerous to humans because it can cause illness or misfortune. This class of water has lost its mauri and is dead. The mauri of the water has been altered through pollution or corruption and has the potential to do harm to humans.
#Awa meaning free
This is referred to as ordinary water which runs free or unrestrained and it has no sacred associations. It is used in rituals to purify and sanctify and has the power to give life, sustain wellbeing and counteract evil. They could be guardians of a place, or upholders of customs and tribal mana. Often in Māori tradition taniwha (water spirits) lived in awa. Groups made expeditions to the West Coast, where they cut pounamu from boulders and carried it back over paths known as greenstone trails. Māori used it to make tools, weapons and ornaments, and it became a valuable item of trade. Produced deep in the earth, it is brought to the surface by mountain uplift, and then cleaned by river action. Pounamu is found only on the South Island’s West Coast. Māori recognise the link between awa and the sea and the need to look after awa from their source in the mountains right through to the sea. Kai was gathered from the awa itself or its estuary.įood sources found inland or at sea could be reached easily by awa.
Māori often built settlements at the mouth of awa. On the many fast flowing awa of the South Island, mōkihi (rafts of woven reeds) were used. Waka made of hollowed-out logs were used to travel along or across awa.
It was easier to get from place to place by canoeing up or down awa than by walking over the mountains or through dense bush. Māori explored as far as possible upriver on many waterways. Awa were used as landing sites, settlements and a source of fresh water. access to important wāhi tapu – sacred sitesĮarly Māori relied on awa.cultural materials such as raupō and taonga such as pounamu.Ko te wai te ora ngā mea katoa - Water is the life giver of all things. Awa are thought of as tīpuna (ancestors) that have been with us throughout history. Māori are connected to water and to the whole natural world through whakapapa – a lineage that descends from Ranginui and Papatūānuku down to people and all parts of the environment. Māori often consider their personal health and the health of the Iwi to be linked to the health of their water bodies.
Enhancing the health and wellbeing of our waterways is a priority for many Iwi. Each body of water also has a life force/mauri and should not be mixed with water from another source.įor Māori, water is the essence of all life, like the blood of Papatūānuku (Earth mother) who supports all people, plants and wildlife. Māori recognise many different types of water/momowai and each has different values and uses. Water is linked to identity, used for transport, gathering food and other materials. Water is a taonga of huge importance to Iwi.
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