Kia ora ano tatou. Fuuu another month gone past already. You know, before we know it Christmas will be here again.
Gee I remember when I was a little fulla. Christmas was a tumeke time. We had next to nothing but we were happy. I remember one Christmas me and my brother were pretending we got some guns for a present. Remember those old wooden pegs? Well that was our gun. We put two of them together and played for hours "chur haha".
Our tamariki have got different expectations now but you cant beat those days gone by. Oi, you remember dem tv's wiff a record player in it? Chur we would be there kanikani hard out to "Happen Inn" - Suzanne Donaldson, Ray Columbus gawn owww, later on us haha.
Well dem dayz seem a long time ago and like I said our tamariki and mokopuna walk in a different time. They depend on us (and rightfully so) to ensure that when their time to slow down comes that we have done our job and have been good caretakers o nga taonga o ratou nga matua tupuna i tuku iho.
One of those taonga is the wharenui. Our people have lived in Australia for a long time now and, I for one know, that we have struggled to uphold da customs handed down through the generations. We always seem to 'get by' but dat aint always good enough. Although it may not always be said, we all know that the time
Gee I remember when I was a little fulla. Christmas was a tumeke time. We had next to nothing but we were happy. I remember one Christmas me and my brother were pretending we got some guns for a present. Remember those old wooden pegs? Well that was our gun. We put two of them together and played for hours "chur haha".
Our tamariki have got different expectations now but you cant beat those days gone by. Oi, you remember dem tv's wiff a record player in it? Chur we would be there kanikani hard out to "Happen Inn" - Suzanne Donaldson, Ray Columbus gawn owww, later on us haha.
Well dem dayz seem a long time ago and like I said our tamariki and mokopuna walk in a different time. They depend on us (and rightfully so) to ensure that when their time to slow down comes that we have done our job and have been good caretakers o nga taonga o ratou nga matua tupuna i tuku iho.
One of those taonga is the wharenui. Our people have lived in Australia for a long time now and, I for one know, that we have struggled to uphold da customs handed down through the generations. We always seem to 'get by' but dat aint always good enough. Although it may not always be said, we all know that the time
has come to have a wharenui stand on this land of the dreamtime, to protect and nurture the customs that we hold so dear.
Isn't it beautiful that the Tangata Whenua have embraced our desire and given their consent for Maori to have our own place in Melbourne.
Australia has a big sky eh? I have often closed my eyes and imagined the silhouette of a whare as the sun set for another day.
This has been a dream of many thousands of people for decades. I dont wanna waste my column talking about what isn't or what hasn't appeared. I'm here to talk about da kaupapa.
Da kaupapa is to have a wharenui stand in Melbourne. Dat kaupapa has never changed. Da kaupapa is more than capable of looking after us. Are we capable of looking after it? Why keep going to tangihanga here and keep saying the same thing "we need a Marae here"!
You know whanau, da kaupapa is well and alive. It still waits for it's people. We have mucked around for decades, bounced from one stone to the next. Along da way many have fallen into the water, but NOT da kaupapa. It's weathered the time and has only got stronger. You might be asking yourself what is your point 'old fool'. Well this is it. No man has da mana to lead da kaupapa. Kei te kaupapa te mana (Da mana resides within da kaupapa)
Isn't it beautiful that the Tangata Whenua have embraced our desire and given their consent for Maori to have our own place in Melbourne.
Australia has a big sky eh? I have often closed my eyes and imagined the silhouette of a whare as the sun set for another day.
This has been a dream of many thousands of people for decades. I dont wanna waste my column talking about what isn't or what hasn't appeared. I'm here to talk about da kaupapa.
Da kaupapa is to have a wharenui stand in Melbourne. Dat kaupapa has never changed. Da kaupapa is more than capable of looking after us. Are we capable of looking after it? Why keep going to tangihanga here and keep saying the same thing "we need a Marae here"!
You know whanau, da kaupapa is well and alive. It still waits for it's people. We have mucked around for decades, bounced from one stone to the next. Along da way many have fallen into the water, but NOT da kaupapa. It's weathered the time and has only got stronger. You might be asking yourself what is your point 'old fool'. Well this is it. No man has da mana to lead da kaupapa. Kei te kaupapa te mana (Da mana resides within da kaupapa)
From da first time I heard of MaraeMelbourne I knew something was different. Da fing dat has been missing all this time has finally emerged. What is that you ask? For the first time da kaupapa is da driving force. MaraeMelbourne are servants to da kaupapa, and not da other way round, where da people have tried to make da kaupapa there servant.
A Marae will open in Melbourne in 2012. Da kaupapa now demands it. I have spoken to many and we all say da same thing "the time is right".
We have all learnt many lessons over da years and da kaupapa is now showing us da final one before it drives it's foot into Papatuanuku and raises it's arms to Ranginui. Kia kotahi tatou. Be one people. Unite to form the ultimate force. Dont continue to ask why da other cultures have theirs. Ask why we have nothing.
It can no longer be denied. Many Maori now call Australia home. We dont have a switch on our back that we can turn off when we leave Aotearoa. Our needs remain. We need to receive our fill spiritually as well as physically. Maori can ONLY do that within da Marae environment. I will no longer accept that I must go home everytime I want to refill my soul. I am going to make sure I can do it here. Listen! That is da kaupapa calling. Come one and come all. Let da kaupapa lead us over da finish line in 2 years. Tautoko MaraeMelbourne NOW!
A Marae will open in Melbourne in 2012. Da kaupapa now demands it. I have spoken to many and we all say da same thing "the time is right".
We have all learnt many lessons over da years and da kaupapa is now showing us da final one before it drives it's foot into Papatuanuku and raises it's arms to Ranginui. Kia kotahi tatou. Be one people. Unite to form the ultimate force. Dont continue to ask why da other cultures have theirs. Ask why we have nothing.
It can no longer be denied. Many Maori now call Australia home. We dont have a switch on our back that we can turn off when we leave Aotearoa. Our needs remain. We need to receive our fill spiritually as well as physically. Maori can ONLY do that within da Marae environment. I will no longer accept that I must go home everytime I want to refill my soul. I am going to make sure I can do it here. Listen! That is da kaupapa calling. Come one and come all. Let da kaupapa lead us over da finish line in 2 years. Tautoko MaraeMelbourne NOW!
May 2010
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Uncle Puha's Column
April 2010
Kia ora ano tatou. Howz everyone been goin this month? Hope you are all fightin fit and life is treatin ya well.
I've been flat out. One of our daughters was here on holiday from home. As you all know it's 'sweet azz' eh, when da whanau is around. Well, while I'm on da subject of whanau, our daughter also brought da three mokos (grandchildren). Aue!! When my mokos were being made, instead of lining up in da 'roro' (brains) line, they must have been over in da 'I wanna be a blimmen hoha' line haha. 10 o'clock at night and they wanna start singing and dancing. I bet you fullas have the same thing going on with your mokos too eh?
Questions!! Gee they never stop asking them. Papa, Whats this - what that? Aue e kii! Papa, mummy said Tane Mahuta is a tree. Not even eh Papa? Tane Mahuta is a God. E koutou ma, how do you answer that. I did answer, but thats a korero for another time.
Today I want to cover another subject that my moko also asked about. What is a kaumatua? This is not a question that is answered in one or two lines and everyone should know that the interpretation of 'kaumatua' differs from people to people. My thoughts, which I am about to share with you all, are exactly that 'my thoughts'. However, my thoughts are based on what I was taught when growing up. So if they differ from yours, aroha mai! (apologies) Ok?
Kaumatua are respected elders that are elevated to this status by the community. Pakeke too, are elders. However, reaching a mature age (for this example I will loosely use 60 years) does not automatically make one a kaumatua. Some pakeke dont even want the mantle of kaumatua.
I've been flat out. One of our daughters was here on holiday from home. As you all know it's 'sweet azz' eh, when da whanau is around. Well, while I'm on da subject of whanau, our daughter also brought da three mokos (grandchildren). Aue!! When my mokos were being made, instead of lining up in da 'roro' (brains) line, they must have been over in da 'I wanna be a blimmen hoha' line haha. 10 o'clock at night and they wanna start singing and dancing. I bet you fullas have the same thing going on with your mokos too eh?
Questions!! Gee they never stop asking them. Papa, Whats this - what that? Aue e kii! Papa, mummy said Tane Mahuta is a tree. Not even eh Papa? Tane Mahuta is a God. E koutou ma, how do you answer that. I did answer, but thats a korero for another time.
Today I want to cover another subject that my moko also asked about. What is a kaumatua? This is not a question that is answered in one or two lines and everyone should know that the interpretation of 'kaumatua' differs from people to people. My thoughts, which I am about to share with you all, are exactly that 'my thoughts'. However, my thoughts are based on what I was taught when growing up. So if they differ from yours, aroha mai! (apologies) Ok?
Kaumatua are respected elders that are elevated to this status by the community. Pakeke too, are elders. However, reaching a mature age (for this example I will loosely use 60 years) does not automatically make one a kaumatua. Some pakeke dont even want the mantle of kaumatua.
So you can see from the above, the ONLY requirement to truly take on the title of kaumatua, is for the community / group / team / family etc to afford, the person, that level of mana (prestige) Maintaining the title of kaumatua will require ongoing recognition by those whom originally elevated the person in question, to the role of kaumatua.
Nowadays a kaumatua (even in the true sense of our culture) does NOT need to be Maori, but an acceptable level of knowledge regarding tikanga should be possessed. This is true for Maori also. The reason is: a suitable level of knowledge is required to fulfill the responsibilities that come with the role of kaumatua.
Kaumatua front the Marae. Kuia (respected female elders) perform the karanga and koroua (respected male elders) deliver the formal speeches. Kuia then sing the waiata (song) that is the relish for the males speech.
The mana of kaumatua is expansive. They are revered by the younger people because of their wisdom through experience and their wise counsel. They possess a level of expertise in "nga taonga o nga tupuna" (treasures of our ancestors) and are able to competently guide all things pertaining to the Marae and life in general.
Our kaumatua ensure that the 'kawa' (procedures) are strictly adhered to and generally or specifically pass on their knowledge to the young.
It is a combination or all of the above reasons that make it necessary for communities / groups / teams and/or families to have kaumatua.
Age plays little part. If a 45 year old possesses the knowledge and ability required to perform the kaumatua function AND the community acknowledges & recognises that - then
Nowadays a kaumatua (even in the true sense of our culture) does NOT need to be Maori, but an acceptable level of knowledge regarding tikanga should be possessed. This is true for Maori also. The reason is: a suitable level of knowledge is required to fulfill the responsibilities that come with the role of kaumatua.
Kaumatua front the Marae. Kuia (respected female elders) perform the karanga and koroua (respected male elders) deliver the formal speeches. Kuia then sing the waiata (song) that is the relish for the males speech.
The mana of kaumatua is expansive. They are revered by the younger people because of their wisdom through experience and their wise counsel. They possess a level of expertise in "nga taonga o nga tupuna" (treasures of our ancestors) and are able to competently guide all things pertaining to the Marae and life in general.
Our kaumatua ensure that the 'kawa' (procedures) are strictly adhered to and generally or specifically pass on their knowledge to the young.
It is a combination or all of the above reasons that make it necessary for communities / groups / teams and/or families to have kaumatua.
Age plays little part. If a 45 year old possesses the knowledge and ability required to perform the kaumatua function AND the community acknowledges & recognises that - then
That person may rightfully take the title.
So you can see it can sometimes be difficult to know when a kaumatua is a kaumatua in comparison to a pakeke. It varies from Marae to Marae / Iwi to Iwi. Some are exponents of Maoritanga while others are exponents of whaikorero. In some areas where there are very few pakeke the younger group of men and women assume the role. In other areas where the number of pakeke are greater - the old leaders are very old and the younger ones MUST wait in the wings during formal welcomes, whereas on other Marae they perhaps could be leading it.
Here in Australia I am constantly taken aback by very koretake pakeke that self proclaim the title of kaumatua. They possess little or no knowledge of tikanga and/or they behave in a manner that is neither respectful or consistent with the requirements I state above.
Pakeke is also a very prestigious title to hold. Age is the defining factor for pakeke. Generally people are referred to as pakeke upon reaching the age of 55 - 60. You will undoubtedly find that most "so called" kaumatua in Australia are actually pakeke - NOT kaumatua.
Many kaumatua used to actually be honoured pakeke who have been prepared by kaumatua to take over the role.
Whilst I dont personally know them (one day perhaps we will meet) I can see from this website that Koro George Hallett and Nanny Kiri Dewes are the kaumatua of MaraeMelbourne. They are obviously the visible faces in front of other proclaimed kaumatua BUT they didn't self proclaim. The people have placed them there. Look after them whanau, because their lifetime of experience has prepared them well to guide us all through to the opening of this Marae in 2012. Arohanui Uncle Puha.
So you can see it can sometimes be difficult to know when a kaumatua is a kaumatua in comparison to a pakeke. It varies from Marae to Marae / Iwi to Iwi. Some are exponents of Maoritanga while others are exponents of whaikorero. In some areas where there are very few pakeke the younger group of men and women assume the role. In other areas where the number of pakeke are greater - the old leaders are very old and the younger ones MUST wait in the wings during formal welcomes, whereas on other Marae they perhaps could be leading it.
Here in Australia I am constantly taken aback by very koretake pakeke that self proclaim the title of kaumatua. They possess little or no knowledge of tikanga and/or they behave in a manner that is neither respectful or consistent with the requirements I state above.
Pakeke is also a very prestigious title to hold. Age is the defining factor for pakeke. Generally people are referred to as pakeke upon reaching the age of 55 - 60. You will undoubtedly find that most "so called" kaumatua in Australia are actually pakeke - NOT kaumatua.
Many kaumatua used to actually be honoured pakeke who have been prepared by kaumatua to take over the role.
Whilst I dont personally know them (one day perhaps we will meet) I can see from this website that Koro George Hallett and Nanny Kiri Dewes are the kaumatua of MaraeMelbourne. They are obviously the visible faces in front of other proclaimed kaumatua BUT they didn't self proclaim. The people have placed them there. Look after them whanau, because their lifetime of experience has prepared them well to guide us all through to the opening of this Marae in 2012. Arohanui Uncle Puha.
This is the whare I grew up in
Me and da Mrs in our car - just been to pick pipis
Me in my younger days praticing for da Olympic diving team hahahahahaha........hau weh 'not even owww'
How would things change for me and my whanau if there was a marae here in Australia? It could never replace my marae back home, but it would allow me, my kids and mokos to touch, smell and taste our culture in famiiliar surroundings that elevate our customs and beliefs like no other environment.
When I came across MaraeMelbourne I was firstly elated but before I would allow my heart to take over, I wanted to put my mind at ease that what I was hearing, was indeed true.
I am so happy I did that. Things weren't as I was hearing. They were far far better. MaraeMelbourne were moving forward on the back of over 7 years of research which clearly identified "why" we, as a people, still did not have a place to call home over here.
I am TOTALLY supporting MaraeMelbourne because I want to, it's the right thing for me and my whanau and I believe I have a responsibility to. I live too far away to help in many other ways so I have elected to help through my column. I want to keep all da cuzzies both here in Australia, at home and around the world informed from my level (just a plain maori man who loves his whanau, culture and homeland, but lives in Australia).
I want to cover issues from my perspective and hopefully allow you to expand yours. Keep coming back to see what da goss is. Arohanui ki a koutou katoa. Uncle Puha
When I came across MaraeMelbourne I was firstly elated but before I would allow my heart to take over, I wanted to put my mind at ease that what I was hearing, was indeed true.
I am so happy I did that. Things weren't as I was hearing. They were far far better. MaraeMelbourne were moving forward on the back of over 7 years of research which clearly identified "why" we, as a people, still did not have a place to call home over here.
I am TOTALLY supporting MaraeMelbourne because I want to, it's the right thing for me and my whanau and I believe I have a responsibility to. I live too far away to help in many other ways so I have elected to help through my column. I want to keep all da cuzzies both here in Australia, at home and around the world informed from my level (just a plain maori man who loves his whanau, culture and homeland, but lives in Australia).
I want to cover issues from my perspective and hopefully allow you to expand yours. Keep coming back to see what da goss is. Arohanui ki a koutou katoa. Uncle Puha
my cousins picked me up and while on the way to her house I started to get carsick. Hahahaha, the reason for that was I kept looking up in da trees trying to see a koala bear.
I am from a little 'blink and it's gone' town. So when I arrived at the metropolis of Brisbane I felt a little suffocated but a lot 'blown away'. The bridges, freeways, highrise and sheer numbers of waka (cars). The waka were flash too. Hau weh, I laughed while I recalled da haratete mazerati's back home. Nga valiants, skoda me vanguards hoki (haha) Aww yeah and dont forget dem hard commer vans owww lol.
I was young and excited to be starting a new life in Australia. Our second day was a trip to the Gold Coast. My cousin lived on the south side of Brissie and in dem days it was a 45 - 60 minute drive to Surfer's Paradise. On the way there we passed Dreamworld (but hey thats a korero for another time), but you can imagine it eh? "Group of little hori's being set loose for the first time in a giant theme park and you didn't have to pay for anything. Well let me tell you whanau I will tell ya's one day about that haha.
Although back then, every day was a new adventure, I quickly started to long for my care free, go nowhere town back home. I missed my whanau, mates and marae. All of those things formed part of me and without them I did not feel as though I was complete. If only there was a way to fill those voids here in Australia
I am from a little 'blink and it's gone' town. So when I arrived at the metropolis of Brisbane I felt a little suffocated but a lot 'blown away'. The bridges, freeways, highrise and sheer numbers of waka (cars). The waka were flash too. Hau weh, I laughed while I recalled da haratete mazerati's back home. Nga valiants, skoda me vanguards hoki (haha) Aww yeah and dont forget dem hard commer vans owww lol.
I was young and excited to be starting a new life in Australia. Our second day was a trip to the Gold Coast. My cousin lived on the south side of Brissie and in dem days it was a 45 - 60 minute drive to Surfer's Paradise. On the way there we passed Dreamworld (but hey thats a korero for another time), but you can imagine it eh? "Group of little hori's being set loose for the first time in a giant theme park and you didn't have to pay for anything. Well let me tell you whanau I will tell ya's one day about that haha.
Although back then, every day was a new adventure, I quickly started to long for my care free, go nowhere town back home. I missed my whanau, mates and marae. All of those things formed part of me and without them I did not feel as though I was complete. If only there was a way to fill those voids here in Australia
Kia ora koutou e nga iwi katoa o Aotearoa. First of all I would like to say "kia ora" to all of you from New Zealand. Awww I better not forget to greet our Aussie cuzzies too, and indeed all people of da world who perhaps are reading my column.
Well I reckon the question on everyone's lips is "who da heck is Uncle Puha"? That's easy to answer. I come from New Zealand and grew up spending time in many different places. I'm no one special, I'm not important, but I have a huge kete (bag) filled with lifetime experiences. I have had da opportunity to experience our culture and beliefs, first hand. I'm proud to be maori but also love my pakeha (white) side.
I have always been comfortable in both my worlds. They are both heaps different, but one is not better than the other. 'just different.
As a child I fondly remember being at da marae. Many years on and I still remember times, days and nights, spent on our marae. Me an my cousins would head up the maunga (mountain), swim in the awa (river) and generally just tutu around. Time spent at our marae has given me many many choice memories that I, till this day, cherish very much. I have also lived a lot of my life in Australia. Aue, I remember the day we arrived at Brisbane International Airport. Fuuu, te kaha wera (hot azzzzz). One of
Well I reckon the question on everyone's lips is "who da heck is Uncle Puha"? That's easy to answer. I come from New Zealand and grew up spending time in many different places. I'm no one special, I'm not important, but I have a huge kete (bag) filled with lifetime experiences. I have had da opportunity to experience our culture and beliefs, first hand. I'm proud to be maori but also love my pakeha (white) side.
I have always been comfortable in both my worlds. They are both heaps different, but one is not better than the other. 'just different.
As a child I fondly remember being at da marae. Many years on and I still remember times, days and nights, spent on our marae. Me an my cousins would head up the maunga (mountain), swim in the awa (river) and generally just tutu around. Time spent at our marae has given me many many choice memories that I, till this day, cherish very much. I have also lived a lot of my life in Australia. Aue, I remember the day we arrived at Brisbane International Airport. Fuuu, te kaha wera (hot azzzzz). One of
March 2010
Kia ora whanau. How was your fulla's month? Mine was stink but only because I am jealous that I dont live in Melbourne. We had plans to drive from Alice Springs to Melbourne for the New Zealand Cabaret in July but our car is pakaru. Da pension doesn't go far and I decided that buying my brick for da Marae was more important. So my car will have to wait till next month. Dont worry though whanau, my daughter has given us their van till our car is fixed. It's kapai for getting into town for da shopping but it wouldn't make it to Melbourne haha.
A special shout to Brother George Hallett and Sister Kiri Dewes. Hau I have never met you fulla's but my tino aroha ki a korua. I have gotta moko in Melbourne and she was telling me how you both are making sure THIS MaraeMelbourne waka stays on course. Me and my wife (Seeda) thank you both, da komiti and Melbourne community for da passion, leadership and commitment. We cant wait till da day when we can meet up with you all. That day will be in 2012 when our Marae opens. But until then we must all work hard and stay on track rowing tenei waka in da same direction as ONE people. Oh, by da way, Seeda juss said she will bring a rewena for you fullas haha. Awww sad eh hehe.
Anyway whanau, my mokopuna wants to know if all kina have prickles. Hahahaha, blimmen tamariki. Naku mea atu ki a ia
A special shout to Brother George Hallett and Sister Kiri Dewes. Hau I have never met you fulla's but my tino aroha ki a korua. I have gotta moko in Melbourne and she was telling me how you both are making sure THIS MaraeMelbourne waka stays on course. Me and my wife (Seeda) thank you both, da komiti and Melbourne community for da passion, leadership and commitment. We cant wait till da day when we can meet up with you all. That day will be in 2012 when our Marae opens. But until then we must all work hard and stay on track rowing tenei waka in da same direction as ONE people. Oh, by da way, Seeda juss said she will bring a rewena for you fullas haha. Awww sad eh hehe.
Anyway whanau, my mokopuna wants to know if all kina have prickles. Hahahaha, blimmen tamariki. Naku mea atu ki a ia
"Go and wash da dishes oww" Gee and it reckons it's gonna be a lawyer when it grows up. "Ae pea - Ae marika"
Let me talk for a little bit about a conversation me and my cousin (who lives in Sydney) had a couple of months ago.
I spose da korero started because we were yakkin about our own moko's. It was all about da difference between our kids today and 50 years ago. Before you fullas get your tarau all outta shape and start firing millions of emails at me, just have a think bout it. I listen to all these clever people saying that all these machines da tamariki have today are makin dem da way they are. Da tv programs, video games, mobile phones te mea, te mea. Aue, ko te pohara hoki o aku mokupuna, they haven't got these fings, engari they still naughty haha.
Well this is what 2 koroheke fink bout this. Have a look at da parents. Even my kids, blimmen koretake. They are always too busy to take enough time to be wiff da tamariki. It's easier to buy them some rubbish to amuse them. As long as da tamariki stay out of their way 'kei te pai' ne? As far as me and my cuzzie are concerned, we did a good job bringing up our kids, but maybe not. My kids reckon da rules and boundaries didn't do dem any harm BUT times have changed and it wont work anymore. I dont know if da changing times are a good reason to widen da boundaries and soften discipline. It breaks my heart tho when I
Let me talk for a little bit about a conversation me and my cousin (who lives in Sydney) had a couple of months ago.
I spose da korero started because we were yakkin about our own moko's. It was all about da difference between our kids today and 50 years ago. Before you fullas get your tarau all outta shape and start firing millions of emails at me, just have a think bout it. I listen to all these clever people saying that all these machines da tamariki have today are makin dem da way they are. Da tv programs, video games, mobile phones te mea, te mea. Aue, ko te pohara hoki o aku mokupuna, they haven't got these fings, engari they still naughty haha.
Well this is what 2 koroheke fink bout this. Have a look at da parents. Even my kids, blimmen koretake. They are always too busy to take enough time to be wiff da tamariki. It's easier to buy them some rubbish to amuse them. As long as da tamariki stay out of their way 'kei te pai' ne? As far as me and my cuzzie are concerned, we did a good job bringing up our kids, but maybe not. My kids reckon da rules and boundaries didn't do dem any harm BUT times have changed and it wont work anymore. I dont know if da changing times are a good reason to widen da boundaries and soften discipline. It breaks my heart tho when I
see how many of our kids get demself into trouble.
Our kids are beautiful people but many of them are lost. They know they are Maori BUT try asking dem what dat means and you will hear some far out answers. Many of dem think Maori and Hori are da same fing. 'Not even oww'. If dere is no structure in place to point out da difference it's no wonder these kids are off da rails.
Being in Australia, in many cases, makes the above even worse. I say dat because our cultural structure is not here. Most of da parents dont know either because they were either born here or came across at a young age. Many of da older ones are also not holders of great knowledge when it comes to Mana Maori.
We need many more Koro George's and Nanny Kiri's. REAL kaumatua that are not afraid to lead. They might be loud, but when you need them they are there eh? We NEED a Marae. It's no longer 'we want a Marae', e hoa ma, we NEED one. Actually we need 20 of em. I know some of you are asking this question "how will a Marae fix all of this up" - Well we will be able to embrace our culture OUR REAL culture in our own space. A space where our kids can go and experience the true essence of taha Maori.
Some food for thought eh?. Let's have a real good look at what this Marae is going to mean to us all next month? Until then whanau. Love from Uncle Puha.
Our kids are beautiful people but many of them are lost. They know they are Maori BUT try asking dem what dat means and you will hear some far out answers. Many of dem think Maori and Hori are da same fing. 'Not even oww'. If dere is no structure in place to point out da difference it's no wonder these kids are off da rails.
Being in Australia, in many cases, makes the above even worse. I say dat because our cultural structure is not here. Most of da parents dont know either because they were either born here or came across at a young age. Many of da older ones are also not holders of great knowledge when it comes to Mana Maori.
We need many more Koro George's and Nanny Kiri's. REAL kaumatua that are not afraid to lead. They might be loud, but when you need them they are there eh? We NEED a Marae. It's no longer 'we want a Marae', e hoa ma, we NEED one. Actually we need 20 of em. I know some of you are asking this question "how will a Marae fix all of this up" - Well we will be able to embrace our culture OUR REAL culture in our own space. A space where our kids can go and experience the true essence of taha Maori.
Some food for thought eh?. Let's have a real good look at what this Marae is going to mean to us all next month? Until then whanau. Love from Uncle Puha.
June 2010
Uncle Puha will be taking a short break but will be back in the future with his straight up words. September 5, 2010
ManaMaori | Aroha | Respect | Accountability | Excellence
committed to Marae development in Melbourne based on
Two of my boys picking tuatua at Dargaville
Kia ora Whanau Show
Tuesday evenings at 9.00pm with
Fred, Dennis & Fran
Tuesday evenings at 9.00pm with
Fred, Dennis & Fran
A big big kia ora to all da cuzzies out dere in MaraeMelbourne cyberland. I just want to quickly say what a huge honour it is to have this opportunity every month to speak to such a big gathering of cuzzie mutus. Chur chur tena koutou!
Ok, no muckin round. Straight into it this month. Have you ever sat and thought about - not just a fleetin moment but really sat down and thought about having a Marae here in Australia? Maybe you have but then maybe you haven't. How you answer that question will depend on many things but for this month it's really those of you that really want a Marae, that I would like to dedicate and direct this months korero to.
We are a very proud race of people enriched with a unique and inspiring culture. Our beliefs are strong and our heritage true. We display many varied faces and come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are big, and some of us are small (actually come to fink of it, most of us are in da big range eh haha) and that physical appearance is necessary to fit our hearts because we would have to be one of the most loving, caring and sharing people to walk upon this earth.
We are also a 'make do' people. If we don't have it, we will 'make do'. Even if we need it, if we don't got it, we will 'make do'. We stay that way because if we got it, and someone else needs it, hau weh, we give it away. Pono eh?
Ok, no muckin round. Straight into it this month. Have you ever sat and thought about - not just a fleetin moment but really sat down and thought about having a Marae here in Australia? Maybe you have but then maybe you haven't. How you answer that question will depend on many things but for this month it's really those of you that really want a Marae, that I would like to dedicate and direct this months korero to.
We are a very proud race of people enriched with a unique and inspiring culture. Our beliefs are strong and our heritage true. We display many varied faces and come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are big, and some of us are small (actually come to fink of it, most of us are in da big range eh haha) and that physical appearance is necessary to fit our hearts because we would have to be one of the most loving, caring and sharing people to walk upon this earth.
We are also a 'make do' people. If we don't have it, we will 'make do'. Even if we need it, if we don't got it, we will 'make do'. We stay that way because if we got it, and someone else needs it, hau weh, we give it away. Pono eh?
As long as I have been here in Australia we have 'made do'. Even in the most demanding of times such as tangihanga, we make do. Whanau, I don't wanna just 'make do' any more.
I look at da other cultures i.e. Chinese, Thai, Indian, Muslim just to name a few, with their beautiful cultural centres and temples. I always have a huge smile on my face and feel much happiness for them. I see da big Italian and Greek clubs all around da motu and once again I feel proud and happy for dem. Engari ma tatou 'ning ning' - 'nada' - 'tino horekau'.
I must admit, if I had to keep 'making do', I would. But guess what? I don't have to, and neither do you. A Marae in Australia has been da dream of 1000's for decades. There was a time when I thought that da only sort of Marae we would get would be a 'make do' Marae. Dat's a Marae dat cant really satisfy the cultural needs of our people. In other words 'not a Marae' but a 'mea'.
I have watched closely da progress of MaraeMelbourne. This aint no 'make do' nuffing. This is da real mccoy. Have you seen da concept drawing? Oh my goodness what a tribute this complex will be. A tribute to everything I/we believe in.
My mother told me years ago. It's easy to know if you are walking da right path. If things progress then it's right - if they don't then it's all 'te te tau'. If you apply that to MaraeMelbourne then we are all heading in the right direction.
I look at da other cultures i.e. Chinese, Thai, Indian, Muslim just to name a few, with their beautiful cultural centres and temples. I always have a huge smile on my face and feel much happiness for them. I see da big Italian and Greek clubs all around da motu and once again I feel proud and happy for dem. Engari ma tatou 'ning ning' - 'nada' - 'tino horekau'.
I must admit, if I had to keep 'making do', I would. But guess what? I don't have to, and neither do you. A Marae in Australia has been da dream of 1000's for decades. There was a time when I thought that da only sort of Marae we would get would be a 'make do' Marae. Dat's a Marae dat cant really satisfy the cultural needs of our people. In other words 'not a Marae' but a 'mea'.
I have watched closely da progress of MaraeMelbourne. This aint no 'make do' nuffing. This is da real mccoy. Have you seen da concept drawing? Oh my goodness what a tribute this complex will be. A tribute to everything I/we believe in.
My mother told me years ago. It's easy to know if you are walking da right path. If things progress then it's right - if they don't then it's all 'te te tau'. If you apply that to MaraeMelbourne then we are all heading in the right direction.
MaraeMelbourne is going to happen. I know it. I feel it. I have dreamt it. We can choose to leave it up to a few or we can all get in and help. Buy a brick whanau. Buy it now! Did you know that you can buy a brick for $10.00 a month over ten months? Dats only $2.50 a week. I know we can all do dat. So click onto da Brick Program and get yours now. I'm not going to beg, and neither is da kaupapa. Close your eyes and if you feel in your heart that you shouldn't join da rest of us and have a brick, then kei te pai tena. But if you can help and feel you should, then pai tena hoki.
I cant wait to sit in da whare and listen to da korero, to share da tears, to boost da laughter. To answer da call of da kaikaranga and to receive da welcome delivered with mana and aroha from da taumata/paepae tapu.
I dont want to make do any more. Let me end this months korero remembering da stand of a real rangatira. Te Whaea o te Motu, Dame Whina Cooper. In da 70's she and her mokopuna Renee set out on a walk. That walk would start at da very top of Aotearoa and slowly wind it's way over da maunga, across da awa and through da valleys. Starting with 2 people, dat walk ended with thousands and thousands in Wellington. They too had, had enough of making do. They joined together and let NO obstacle stand in their way. It's our time. Let's push this across the line. Cya fullas next month eh? Heaps of love, Uncle Puha.
I cant wait to sit in da whare and listen to da korero, to share da tears, to boost da laughter. To answer da call of da kaikaranga and to receive da welcome delivered with mana and aroha from da taumata/paepae tapu.
I dont want to make do any more. Let me end this months korero remembering da stand of a real rangatira. Te Whaea o te Motu, Dame Whina Cooper. In da 70's she and her mokopuna Renee set out on a walk. That walk would start at da very top of Aotearoa and slowly wind it's way over da maunga, across da awa and through da valleys. Starting with 2 people, dat walk ended with thousands and thousands in Wellington. They too had, had enough of making do. They joined together and let NO obstacle stand in their way. It's our time. Let's push this across the line. Cya fullas next month eh? Heaps of love, Uncle Puha.
July 2010
