Matariki is a time to come together as a whänau (family), to reflect on the
roles we play, and to plan for the coming year. This year at Te Papa we
are focusing on kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and are looking to recognise
the kaitiaki (guardians) all around us.
The Matariki star cluster is a kaitiaki of the year to come. Tohunga
(experts) are able to read the signs during the constellation’s first rising,
allowing people to properly prepare for the new year.
Many iwi around the
country also consider that some animals, such as the kähu (hawk), the
whai (stingray), the mokomoko (lizard), or the taniwha (sea monster), will
protect and care for them. For the tangata whenua (local people) of the
Wellington region, Ngäti Toa, the rürü (native owl) is a kaitiaki. The different
calls of the rürüū announce significant changes occurring within the iwi,
such as a birth or a death.
The kaitiaki we might be most familiar with, however, are people and
institutions in our own communities. For instance, our teachers in our
centres and schools nurture our ideas and look out for our well-being.
Curators and Collection Managers at Te Papa collect and look after the
taonga (treasures) of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We believe that everyone is a kaitiaki in some way!
What actions will you
take this coming year?
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