Mana Whenua
Ko tātou ngā manuhiri manaaki tātou
E manaaki ana tātau i te whenua me ōna iwi
We will be respectful guests of the land and its people
The indigenous Māori people of Aotearoa, New Zealand (tangata whenua) hold an ancestral authority, known as mana whenua, over the land. As you traverse Te Araroa, you’ll encounter areas where local tangata whenua groups, or hapū, are the guardians of this mana whenua. This authority is deeply rooted in whakapapa, ancestral connections to the land.
As you explore the land, you should also learn about the people, our history and culture. By taking the opportunity to understand our culture and customs, you’ll have a positive impact on the communities you visit and enrich your experience. In return, the tangata whenua, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, will leave a lasting impact on you, fostering a deeper connection to the trail.
Te Araroa recognises the mauri, or life force, of Aotearoa’s lands, mountains, and forests. This mauri is integral to tangata whenua and mana whenua. Each section of Te Araroa passes through areas of significance for local people.
More information
Papatūānuku:
the land
In the Māori world view, land gives birth to all things, including humankind, and provides the physical and spiritual basis for life. Papatūānuku, the land, is a powerful mother earth figure who gives many blessings to her children.
Why whenua matters
Building a connection to our whenua lets us be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Acting as a kaitiaki for the whenua can help us bring our whānau closer together, both physically and spiritually.
The Powhiri
This is a pōwhiri. Performed by the Ngāti Awa people of Whakatāne. What does this welcoming ceremony feel like? You’ll have to come and experience it!