Tīwaiwaka- A message of hope
Our coordinator, Rachel, felt very honored to be invited to attend a hui in Tauranga to learn about the principles of Tīwaiwaka Aotearoa from the amazing Pā/Rob McGowan. There was a lot of great kōrero with fantastic people working in conservation from many parts of Aotearoa.
Pā Rōpata/Rob McGowan has seen that there are many individuals and organisations working to try and address the multiple environmental challenges that we are all facing. All of these efforts need to come together to be as effective as possible. He sees the lack of “Kotahitanga-unity” and understands the importance of everyone working together. In his words "The Tīwaiwaka principles can provide a pathway to enable us all to align and work together to achieve the Kotahitanga that is needed to effectively reverse the ecological decline that threatens life in earth” . There are 6 key principles written by Pā Rōpata/ Rob McGowan set out below,
1, Te Whenua, Papatūānuku, is the source of all life. She is the Mother. Ka ora the Whenua, ka ora the tangata.
2, We are not the centre of the universe but we are part of it.
3, The mauri is the web of connections that sustains life.
4, Te tangata-people- are not the masters of the mauri; we are part of the mauri and embraced by it.
5, No individual person is more important than any other.
6, We give special care to the tiniest living creatures.
To find out more about Tīwaiwaka and the work of Pā Rōpata/ Rob McGowan visit the Tīwaiwaka website.
