Tekau mā ono - Rāhina 16 Hakihea - Kuia/Kaumātua

Day 16 - Monday 16 December - Kuia/Kaumātua

He kaupapa mō te rā

Kuia/Kaumātua

Kuia/Kaumātua are highly respected elders in Māori communities and are to tauiwi (non-Māori) alike. Their mātauranga (knowledge & wisdom) are called upon for all important matters and they are fervently listened to as they guide their whanau, recall & share history/traditions passed down to them also through the ancestors.

Whakapapa (genealogy), pepehā (tribal ancestry), and whaikōrero (formal oratory) derive from generations of kuia/kaumātua. All we have to do is ‘titiro-whakarongo’ (look & listen). And like the pōhutukawa, when respected and admired, we can receive the tenacity of the aroha (love) & tiaki (care) of kuia/kaumātua to grow & learn.

He Karaipiture (Bible Reading)

Matiu/Matthew 1:22-24

Now all this happened in order to make come true what the Lord had said through the prophet, “A virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and he will be called Immanuel” (which means, “God is with us”).

So when Joseph woke up, he married Mary, as the angel of the Lord had told him to do.

Nā, ka oti tēnei katoa, kātahi ka rite tā te Ariki, i kōrerotia e te poropiti, i mea ai ia, “Nā, ka hapū te wāhina, ka whānau hoki he tama, ā, ka huaina e rātou tōna ingoa ko Emānuera,” ko tōna whakamāoritanga tēnei, “Kei a tātou te Atua.”

Ā, ka ara ake a Hōhepa i te moe, ka meatia e ia tā te anahera a te Ariki i whakahau ai ki a ia, ā, tango ana ia i tāna wahine.

Whakarongo/Titiro Mai (Listen/Watch)

He mihi nui (sincere thanks) to Whaea Raiha Gray and Matua Tepene Clark of Rauawaawa Kaumatua Charitable Trust for their unpacking of the roles of ‘kuia/kaumātua’. Filmed by Garth Watene of Waiora Productions with adaptations.

Ngā mea waihanga (Create)

Putiputi harakeke (flax flowers), pine seed, tapa cloth, mother of pearl, feathers & shells make up our polynesian princess-angel. When hung in the tree outside she will dance in the gentle breeze as our fānau/friends gather, waiata, and enjoy Christ-mas with her.

He Whakaaroaro (Reflect)

Kuia/kaumātua offer a perspective that comes of a life well lived and a wisdom and grace that comes from encountering the many challenges life throws out. There is something extremely precious about having an elder to turn to for advice, comfort, encouragement and support. Kuia/kaumātua offer priceless taonga for those who have the opportunity to hear their words. Something akin to the prophets in the Bible, a word or two from them ripples powerfully out with impact. There is much we can all learn and value from intergenerational relationships when we put ourselves in the way of listening to our elders.

Whakahokia mai (Respond)

Visit an elder in your family or community before Christmas. Be open to considering what can you respectfully offer them and what can you learn from them.

Karakia (Pray)

The Lord’s prayer chanted by kaumātua Louis Te Kouorehua Kereopa. A counsellor/mentor in various levels of spiritual/emotional guidance and healing, he teaches "te rakau rangimarie" or way of the peace stick whilst honouring the creator and papatuānuku (mother earth). Matua Louis’ tā moko (tattoo) represents his wairuatanga (spiritual connection), hā (breath of life), service to god, tūpuna (ancestors) and whānau (family).

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Subscriber Contributions

Pōhutukawa in flower from Caroline’s husband, Andrew. This is taken a few days ago at Big Manly Beach on Whangaparāoa Peninsula where Caroline and Andrew live.