10/3/2023 0 Comments Awa tribe stories![]() In early times, Te Ūpoko o te Ika with its natural harbour, was a kind of melting pot of different stories from many different tribes.īen’s intention was to publish this story from an Atī Awa tribal perspective. We need to remember that there were many tribal groups who arrived in the Wellington area, some staying for a short time before they moved on. ![]() I had the opportunity to meet with Ben and listen to his explanation of the story in the book, and to understand a different version regarding these taniwha and the landscape around Te Ūpoko o te Ika.ĭuring our discussion, Ben mentioned that this story had already been published – but from a different perspective. This is the Māori perspective to describe a range of features of the natural environs. One is restless while the other has a more placid nature they were responsible for shaping the region of Ūpoko o te Ika as we see it today. We meet two primeval creatures of the deep, named Ngake and Whātaitai. It is that well-known origin story of Aotearoa that sets the context for the story of Ngake and Whātaitai and the head of that fish. This story takes us back to the time when Māui caught his legendary fish. …this is a beautiful story, full of history and cultural links that all descendants of Te Āti Awa can take pride in. In any case, this is a beautiful story, full of history and cultural links that all descendants of Te Āti Awa can take pride in. When Ben reflected on his decision to write this story, he considered a book for children that teachers and parents alike could read with children with short explanations to one side of each page. One helpful feature for readers is the glossary at the back of the book. Upon reading it I realised the depth of thought and quality of expression that is not likely to be understood by younger readers. So, this is Ben’s story – published as a children’s book. ![]() Meaning in this case, Wellington, Porirua, Lower Hutt, and the greater urban area of Te Ūpoko o te Ika. He said, ‘We Māori did not move away to the towns, but instead, the town came to us’. I recall a comment by Kahu Rōpata, a leader from Ngāti Toa Rangatira. This means so many city dwellers are unaware of these stories Pākehā, Māori and even members of Te Āti Awa. Wellington City with all its buildings and houses tends to overshadow Māori oral traditions about the natural environment. This story is explained in such a clear and creative way by Ben Ngaia in his beautiful account about the taniwha, the mountains, the land and waterways. This story provides an indigenous perspective about the origin of the mountain ranges, the oceans, waterways and the broad landscape within the area known as Te Ūpoko o te Ika, or the Head of the Fish.įirstly, I do feel for those readers who cannot read Māori, and gain an understanding of the origin stories of Te Ūpoko o te Ika or greater Wellington area through a Māori lens, and in this particular story, the lens is that of the Āti Awa people, the recognised tribal authority for the area. The naming of landmarks, sharing tribal histories and explaining how the land was shaped. This story provides an indigenous perspective about the origin of the mountain ranges, the oceans, waterways and the broad landscape within the area known as Te Ūpoko o te Ika, or the Head of the Fish.
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