Tūrangawaewae is one of the most well known and powerful Māori concepts. Literally tūranga (standing place), waewae (feet), it is often translated as a ‘place to stand’.

Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel especially empowered and connected. They are our foundation, our place in the world, our home. In the concept of tūrangawaewae, the external world is a reflection of an inner sense of security and foundation. The mountains, rivers and waterways to which one can claim a relationship also express this internal sense of a foundation.

He Māpara Mātauranga, Elmwood Normal School – our Tūrangawaewae