Rekindle the Vā of Papatūānuku
Summer is a time for outdoors activities; planting, camping, picnics, cycling and sightseeing. The natural world is buzzing with life as birds flock together, rivers are filled with water and plants start to grow. It is a time for holidays and travel for families, to visit and reconnect with loved ones.
But we must remember our roles as stewards of the earth, and the tangata whenua creation story of Papatuanuku as mother earth, and who created earth, its living creatures, and its people. We have evolved, and through our domination, power, and progress and in the name of growth we have created changes to nature.
Rekindling the Vā of Papatūānuku, is understanding and recognising the root causes of climate change. The MCNZ Climate Justice Working Group has been meeting regularly and last year formulated a 10-year strategic plan for the Church to deal with climate change issues.
For the first two years we are focusing on the topic of “Zero Waste”. Parishes and rohe are working toward this theme with their own implementation plans. The group has also produced a Climate Justice calendar in English/Te Reo, Tongan, Samoan and Fijian languages. Calendars are available through the MCNZ website Click Here for $15 per copy. Orders of 10 + copies will be $10 each.
On the world stage
Changing weather patterns in the United Arab Emirates are causing disaster with floods in Dubai, Qatar, and Oman. As I watched the news, it occurred to me how luxury cities with tall buildings, and highly sophisticated technology, cannot evade the changing weather. Severe weather occurs as we disturb nature and its stability.
World leaders have been meeting through COP 26, however, “there are a lot of talks but no actions” as former Fijian Prime Minister, and former President of the Group puts it.
A recent presentation by Dr Maina Talia of Tuvalu at Trinity College titled, God Is Not Good Sometimes included a video clip showing ocean waves crossing the island from one shoreline to another. These are normal waves when there is a high tide. I was stunned and saddened, remembering our islands are much bigger back in Fiji.
Fijian Islands the size of Tuvalu are usually uninhabited. I am glad the Fijian Government is offering assistance for climate change migration, however those affected are asking an important question, “Why should we leave our island where we have lived since our beginning?” Is this injustice their fault?
It was great to hear that Pacific leaders in their recent Rarotonga forum formulated a few key resolutions to address Climate Change issues in the Pacific. A framework known as the Pacific Partnership for Prosperity provides a platform for bringing changes to the region through the Pacific Resilience Facility for donors and contributors. The World Bank has been quick to step in to provide soft loans to island nations of the Pacific to address climate change issues or major development for basic resources.
Last week, Cyclone Mal struck the Fiji Islands - the cyclone season runs from November to April. There was no major damage, although some hotels and tourist accommodation received minor damage. The nation was closed for two days, restricting movement and travel.
On the local scene, the Wasewase ko Viti kei Rotuma, will celebrate “Green Sunday” in March, as it is harvesting season. We will allocate a Sunday to gather harvest from our backyard gardens for a thanksgiving service. After the service the produce will be distributed to the poor, elderly, and Church elders.
We wish you all a merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.