Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Hura Kohatu, the Unveiling

November 16, 2008 by  
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It was an ambivalent day, the day of my great grandmother Moewaka Jane Rapana’s unveiling, ambivalent how? Well, neither the day nor the weather could agree who was going to have first say about how events would pan out and eventually we left them to argue between themselves like siblings in a childhood dust up.

Pieces in the Puzzle

November 9, 2008 by  
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We are like a human tuna (or eel, in English) that snakes its way back down from the front of the wharenui along the right-hand side to where the tangata whenua greet us with a kiss and hug or with a hongi (the traditional Maori greeting featuring the pressing together of noses). I’m reminded of […]

Deep calls to Deep

November 8, 2008 by  
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We waited expectantly at the gate entrance to Haranui Marae. We must wait until the call of the karanga is heard (this is the ceremonial call of welcome performed only by the women). Hearing the karanga indicates to us that we are free to approach our hosts across

Tripping

October 29, 2008 by  
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Travelling up north again after all these years of being away my eyes feel fresh, eager to see and vociferously guzzle in the sights. I feel like I’ve been in a desert these past few years, the backside of it! I’m going to Haranui, to the marae of my great great grandmother Moewaka Jane, I’d […]

Please Don’t Let Me be Mizunderstood

August 26, 2008 by  
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Most times when you’re growing up I can’t help thinking how little we pay attention to the details in our lives as they unfold. I was thinking about Miz who was my literary mentor many years ago now. She’s since passed away having accomplished for herself the title of novelist. She always told me,

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