Today in Matariki/Māhutonga we started thinking about our tūrangawaewae. This is a Māori concept which translates as “a place to stand.” Your tūrangawaewae includes details such as where you and your ancestors are from as well as the language and culture you identify with.
Conversations around tūrangawaewae can help us learn more about ourselves and our family history. We also made connections to one another through our shared ancestry. We know how diverse and multicultural our community is and this was especially evident today!
Considering we discussed this in our groups today we thought this would be a good opportunity, as new teachers at Worser Bay, to share our tūrangawaewae with you all.
Jenny grew up in mighty South Canterbury, my wider whānau and I enjoy spending as much time as possible in The Catlins (down the very bottom of the South Island). This area is very special to me as it is untouched and there is NO WIFI or TV! My ancestry is Scottish, Irish and English. As a child I went to school for a year in Norfolk, England which gave me an opportunity to meet some of my father’s family for the first time.
Jenny and her 'big' catch
Nik was born and raised in Turanganui-a-kiwa (Gisborne) and feels a deep connection with this area. He is lucky enough to have visited and climbed his maunga (mountain), Hikurangi and when he is home spends as much time as possible at Wainui Beach and the Waimata river. Nik’s ancestry is Croatian, German and British. While living in Europe he managed to retrace the footsteps of his tūpuna, visiting his family village of Majstrovići.
Nik on the summit of Hikurangi
What is your tūrangawaewae?
No comments:
Post a Comment