We Spring from the River: Sourcing and Sustaining Our Cultural Character

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A hapu (Maori sub-tribe) research project capturing the memories and thoughts of kuia and koroheke (elderly females and males respectively) is nearing completion for the Ngati Ruaka/Ngati Hine hapu, based on the banks of the Whanganui River in Aotearoa/New Zealand. The aim of the research was to stimulate discussion amongst these respected elders of the hapu, and to illicit those factors that affect social, cultural, health and environmental well-being. This paper intends to draw on the participants’ views on what it means to belong to this hapu grouping, and analyses their responses regarding identity, within the broader context of social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability.

The research has found that due to there being a lack of employment and educational opportunities, many whanau (families) belonging to the hapu were forced to relocate from the traditional land-base, which has impacted on the cultural character of subsequent generations. Most whanau have now settled in urban areas, and perceive the ancestral home as too far removed from the comforts of modern living, without access to adequate social services. However, many of those that were raised within this river hapu community still hold fond memories of their upbringing, though the reality of them ever returning is highly unlikely.

There is a core group of elderly residents, that continue to care for the marae (traditional gathering ground) and lands on behalf of those that reside elsewhere. In their view, they have access to good resources and services, and are actively involved in a range of community based activities to foster social, cultural, economic and environmental sustainability. Their concerns are focused on caring for the cultural estate as well as the Whanganui River and environs, as these things are thought to implicate the hapu’s identity and mana (prestige).

Stream: Cultural Sustainability

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Rawiri Tinirau is of Te Ati Haunui-a-Paparangi descent, and affiliates to Ngati Ruaka/Ngati Hine hapu, based at Ranana on the Whanganui River, New Zealand. Rawiri serves on the Ranana Maori Committee, and regularly returns to Ranana to participate in local initiatives and hapu affairs. He is currently a Lecturer within the Department of Management at Massey University Palmerston North, and is also a Research Associate for Te Au Rangahau – the Maori Business Research Centre. Rawiri is also active in Maori research and community endeavours locally and beyond, and has been involved in regional and national oratory, performing arts and literature competitions.