Awa to Moana brings forward the Kaupapa and importance of traditional relationships and values, there’s a real synergy as our Kaitiaki look to protect the energy of the Wai, an example of this is a saying from the Whanganui Iwi “Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au – I am the river and the river is me” .
Through a recent study of Tuna at the Horokiri Stream earlier in 2024, provided Michel with the vehicle and metaphors imbued in this artwork, canvassing their habitat, and deep research of their migratory patterns to Tonga to breed, and return to Aotearoa. Our kaitiaki view Tuna as a key markers as they reflect back the state and health of our Awa, linking to the Moana echoing a message of “everything is connected” as they look to protect our space.
Awa to Moana brings forward the Kaupapa and importance of traditional relationships and values, there’s a real synergy as our Kaitiaki look to protect the energy of the Wai, an example of this is a saying from the Whanganui Iwi “Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au – I am the river and the river is me” .
Through a recent study of Tuna at the Horokiri Stream earlier in 2024, provided Michel with the vehicle and metaphors imbued in this artwork, canvassing their habitat, and deep research of their migratory patterns to Tonga to breed, and return to Aotearoa. Our kaitiaki view Tuna as a key markers as they reflect back the state and health of our Awa, linking to the Moana echoing a message of “everything is connected” as they look to protect our space.
Awa – river
Moana – ocean
Wai – water
Kaupapa – principles
Kaitiaki – guardian
Whanganui Iwi – Māori tribe
Tuna – New Zealand Longfin Eel; Anguilla diefenbachia
