Lourdes Vano and Niko Iosefo Adams from the MANAVA for Climate Resistance ropu were in attendance at the recent Together For Te Taiao National Hui at Owae Marae in Whaitara over 3 days in August. Lourdes Vano, a representative from MANAVA as well as one of the organiser of the hui shares:

“Together For Te Taiao is a national hui for tangata whenua, iwi taketake, tangata moana and tangata Tiriti who are active in climate, land and Treaty justice to build relationships, share knowledge and weave strategies for Te Tiriti and te taiao – particularly in the lead up to the Māori wards referenda and a potential Australia-Pacific COP31.We chose the dates for this hui to align with the Tangaroa phase in the Maramataka and Owae Marae as Whaitara is the site of one of the first-ever land confiscations by the Crown. Since then,Taranaki whenua has suffered colonial-capitalism, fracking, drilling, deforestation and is now at risk of seabed mining. Taranaki is also home to rich mātauranga, resistance, healing, justice and restoration - of whenua, of whakapapa, of futures.”

This hui was funded by Me Tū-ā-Uru with help from visionary Maria Bargh. Te Raukura Rapira was the central kaiwhakahaere (organiser) in the organising committee with support from Action Station and 350 Aotearoa. Haukāinga were the Rapira whānau and the kai was prepared by the te ringa wera from the marae as well as a community effort by attendees.

A prestigious line up of kaikōrero that included Tihikura Hohaia, Whaea Debbie Ngarewa Packer, Ruakere Hond, as well as speakers from local organisations. Around 100 attendees from across the motu were invited through a relational approach that acknowledged their mahi and connections.

The hui opened with a whakatau that welcomed attendees and the kuapapa under the korowai of Taranaki maunga. Lourdes reflects the rārangi take (agenda) was ambitious, however the foresight to schedule the hui with Maramataka Tangaroa, helped the mauri hold strong over the 3 days. Included over the 3 days was kaikōrero, kaimirimiri, ihi orooro, taonga pūoro, poetry, waiata, raranga, a DJ set, banner painting and morning dance!

Day 1 began with inspirational and hopeful kōrero from keynote speakers, Dr Carwyn Jones, Nadine Anne Hura and Ruakene Hond.

“Create a vision everyone can get behind." - Dr Carwyn Jones

Uwhi - harekeke covering woven by attendees

"Storytelling is spiritual, therefore, needs to be wairua led." - Nadine Anne Hura

"Resistance and resilience are swimming against the current, but it is easier where there are people swimming with you." - Ruakere Hond

Whānau from Te Arawa led the making of an uwhi (harekeke covering) that attendees wove together using a simple weave technique throughout the 3 day hui. Lourdes shared that having this was an accessible and tactile activity that attendees could use to unwind and focus. It was also an example of a Mātatauranga technique used by The Lakes Trust for climate action. At the end of the hui the uwhi was gifted to the haukāinga.

Day 2 unleashed creativity interspersed with local speakers from Taranaki who highlighted local climate issues. “We were so honoured to return today and resolidify growing relationships! Today we painted, danced, and had kōrero together to share hope.” Lourdes Vano. Flooding, seabed mining, native animal species and the importance of Māori Wards in relation to the upcoming referendum were spoken about by local organisations. For Lourdes relating these issues to a Tāmaki Makaurau context and hearing the importance of hyper local solutions and responses was reaffirming and validating for the work of MANAVA for Climate Resilience.

The final day had Māori Party Co-Leader Whaea Debbie Ngārewa Packer gave kōrero about the encompassing nature of kaitiakitanga which is often talked about in the physical sense, however she shared that relationships and renewal are equally important. Out of relationships comes unity - "it is not about our wins, but what we become together. Unity is our strength." Whaea Debbie Ngāreka Packer.

Also on day 3 giving background to the collective weaving efforts done over the 3 days Sarah Wharekura from Lakes Trust shared how local Rotorua communities are using uwhi to combat damaging aquatic weed growth. Tamariki are at the forefront of this impactful kaupapa, proving that intergenerational solutions work.

It was a small tangata Moana contingent from Tāmaki Makaurau, however their presence was felt through a bold banner DEFEND THE DEEP created by artist Numa MacKenzie from the MANAVA ropu. It was a profound statement coming from a Cook Island artist where currently in the Cook Islands, the government is considering extending seabed mining exploration licenses. Using art to make climate statements continues to be a practice utilised by MANAVA for Climate Resilience to disrupt Western notions of protest and to give mana to Moana a nui a Kiwa traditions of art.

Whakawhanaungatanga was at the heart of this hui and the wero to keep going was felt by many. United as tangata whenua, iwi taketake, tangata moana, and tangata Tiriti; united in mahi for te taiao and climate action, the late Moana Jackson, (a presence felt at the hui), his words, “We are not alone in our struggles, we stand in the light of our ancestors” gives the collective courage to persevere.

Together For Te Taiao National Hui

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