Ngā ara taiao: environmental pathways

Taiao

He Whakamārama

Taiao (our environment) is the land, trees, rivers, and oceans. It is also the air we breathe every day. But it’s not just a physical entity. It’s also the reflection of ngā atua Māori – our whakapapa – and it can teach us ways to interact with nature and with people.

Engaging with taiao incorporates aspects of whakapapa like returning to whenua tūpuna (customary lands), moana (oceans), awa (rivers), ngahere (bush), and maunga (mountains), and the application of traditional Māori roles and values related to kaitiakitanga (stewardship, guardianship and protection).

Māori have a strong connection with the environment both physically (living off the land, navigating the oceans, reading and understanding the land) and spiritually (being able to whakapapa to the land and using the land as a place of healing). Let's continue your journey of connecting with taiao.

Whakataukī

Korihi te manu
Tākiri mai te ata
Ka ao, ka ao, ka awatea
Tihei mauri ora

The bird sings, morning has arrived. It is light, it is light, it is brilliant light. Behold, the breath of life!

This tauparapara (a statement and speech of connection) talks about how we’re all descended from atua and the environment. We can use the meaning to develop our awareness of the signs that enhance our wellbeing.

Ngā hua - Benefits

We feel more connection to the mauri of ngā atua Māori that are represented and residing in the environment, like the awa, maunga, air, and plants.
Engaging in nature has direct physical health benefits like exercise and air quality.
Learning about the environment is an important part of connecting with our identity. Taiao can provide access to whakapapa kōrero like landmarks, past battles, and adventures of our tūpuna.
Engagement in and attention to aspects of the environment can increase a sense of calm and also a sense of wonderment around growth and life.
Learning and engagement in the environment can increase the likelihood we will engage in kaitiaki roles – protecting and nurturing te taiao for future generations. This is an important aspect of both identity and whakapapa, ensuring that the environment and its stories are here to nourish the next generation.

Ngā Ara - Pathways

Learn about the maramataka or practice what you already know. Follow the patterns of the environment to understand your patterns and rhythms so you can choose activities that strengthen or calm your mauri when needed.
Learn about how each atua represents a feature of the environment (e.g. Tangaroa – the ocean and all the children within).
Go for a walk in the ngahere and listen to the manu. Pay attention to the wind and the quality of the air and the new growth that is present. Can you identify the native trees?
Identify native birds and seabirds.
Learn about native ocean life.
Learn which plants are medicinal/rongoā.
Learn about protecting native animals and land. Hands on activities. Other Activities
Learn about the stories of the plants, insects and animals in our environment, like the story of Rata.