The Māori language, or te reo Māori, is rich in vocabulary that describes the natural world. Two of the most significant elements in Māori culture and language are the land, or whenua, and the sea, or moana. Both play crucial roles in the Māori worldview, history, and daily life. In this article, we will explore the meanings, cultural significance, and some related vocabulary for both whenua and moana.

Whenua – Land

In Māori, the word whenua means land. It carries deep cultural significance, as it is not only the physical land where people live and grow food, but it also represents the connection to one’s ancestors and heritage.

Ko te whenua he taonga tuku iho.

The term papatūānuku refers to Earth Mother in Māori mythology. Papatūānuku is the personification of the land and earth, revered as the mother of all living things.

Ko Papatūānuku te whaea o te ao katoa.

Another important term is marae, which refers to the communal or sacred place that serves both religious and social purposes in Māori society. It is often considered the focal point of the community.

Ka huihui mātou ki te marae mō te hui nui.

The word urupā means cemetery or burial ground. It is a place where ancestors are laid to rest, and it holds great spiritual significance.

Kei te urupā ngā tūpuna e moe ana.

Connection to Ancestors

In Māori culture, the land is intrinsically linked to ancestry. The term tūrangawaewae means “a place to stand,” signifying one’s connection to their tribal land and heritage.

Ko Taranaki tōku tūrangawaewae.

Whakapapa is another essential concept, meaning genealogy or lineage. It connects individuals to their ancestors and the land they come from.

Ka ako mātou i te whakapapa o tō mātou whānau.

The term kaitiakitanga means guardianship or stewardship, reflecting the responsibility of caring for the land and environment passed down through generations.

Ko te kaitiakitanga te kawenga o te iwi.

Moana – Sea

The word moana means sea. It is a vital part of Māori life, providing food, transport, and a connection to the wider world.

Ka haere mātou ki te moana ki te hī ika.

A related word is tangaroa, who is the Māori god of the sea. Tangaroa is an important figure in Māori mythology and represents all marine life.

Ka inoi mātou ki a Tangaroa mō ngā kai o te moana.

The word kai moana means seafood, an essential part of the Māori diet. It includes fish, shellfish, and other marine life.

He pai ki ahau te kai moana.

Maritime Skills and Navigation

Māori are renowned for their maritime skills. The word waka means canoe or boat, which were used for travel, trade, and fishing.

Ka whakatika te waka mō te hīkoi nui.

Whakatere means to navigate or steer. Navigation was a crucial skill for Māori, who used the stars, ocean currents, and winds to traverse vast distances.

Ka ako mātou ki te whakatere i te waka.

The term moananui means the great ocean, often referring to the Pacific Ocean, which was the highway for Polynesian ancestors who navigated their way to Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Ko te moananui te ara o ngā tīpuna mai Hawaiki.

Interconnectedness of Whenua and Moana

In Māori culture, whenua and moana are interconnected. The health and well-being of the land are tied to the health of the sea and vice versa. This interconnection is reflected in the concept of rāhui, which is a temporary ban or restriction, often placed to protect natural resources.

Kua whakatakotoria te rāhui ki te moana kia ora ai ngā ika.

The term mātauranga means knowledge or wisdom. It includes traditional knowledge passed down through generations about how to live sustainably with the land and sea.

Ko te mātauranga tuku iho te mea nui mō te oranga tonutanga.

Mana is a concept that refers to authority, power, and respect. It is often linked to the stewardship of the land and sea, as well as the respect for the natural world.

Ko te mana o te iwi kei runga i te tiaki i te whenua me te moana.

Environmental Stewardship

The concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) is central to Māori environmental ethics. It emphasizes the responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.

Ko te kaitiakitanga te tikanga matua mō te tiaki i te taiao.

The word taiao means environment. It encompasses all natural elements, including land, sea, air, and living organisms.

Me tiaki tātou i te taiao mō ngā uri whakatupu.

Tohutō is a term that refers to traditional environmental markers or indicators, used to guide sustainable practices.

Ka whakamahi ngā kaumātua i ngā tohutō ki te ārahi i a mātou.

Conclusion

Understanding the concepts of whenua and moana is essential for appreciating the Māori worldview and their relationship with the natural world. The land and sea are more than just physical spaces; they are integral to identity, culture, and the well-being of the Māori people. By learning these terms and their cultural significance, language learners can gain a deeper appreciation of te reo Māori and the rich heritage it embodies.

In summary, the land (whenua) and the sea (moana) are foundational elements in Māori culture, deeply interwoven with the people’s history, mythology, and daily life. The stewardship of these natural resources is a collective responsibility, guided by traditional knowledge and practices that ensure their preservation for future generations.