Hui-ā-Motu

The key kaupapa being ‘Kotahitanga’ - a hui for National Unity. “Taakiri tuu te kotahitanga, Taakiri tuu te Mana Motuhake.” The hui brought together Māori and Tauiwi from various backgrounds, communities and organisations to wānanga, to look at what shared Māori aspirations we have around aspects of our identity, our language, youth engagements, economic health, and other elements that contribute to the well-being of Māori. At the centre of all discussions was the place of Te Tiriti in our national identity and relationships with the Crown.

The morning’s Kawhau (sermon) delivered by Anglican Archbishop Don Tamihere enlivened the space and set the scene for Māori to enter forum discussions with aroha for one another and aroha for kaupapa Māori. There were five forums with 35 Haika (panellists/facilitators); Taakiritia Te Raa ki Tua: The Rangatahi, Taakiritia te Reo, Taakiritia te Tikanga: Māori language & Protocols, Taakiritia te Tuakiri: National Identity, Taakiritia te Oranga: People and Economies. These forums generated a lot of discussion from all age groups, and diverse perspectives. Some were riveting, and all were unapologetically Māori.

Throughout the day affirmative, strength-based messages of building a positive future ahead for all who live in Aotearoa resonated across the marae grounds. I was warmed by the shared sense of purpose and the potential for collective action to drive meaningful outcomes. Resolutions from organisers of the event are being drafted for further consultation to take place in other rohe.

Following the Hui-ā-Motu my colleagues of NZEI spent Sunday in wānanga mode critiquing for ourselves the fruits of Saturday’s national gathering. We left feeling prepared, inspired and hopeful about the possibilities of a justice filled Aotearoa for all.

Social Media

Attendees were encouraged to utilise the Whova app, an event management platform, that helped hosts Waikato Tainui plan, promote and manage the Hui-ā-Motu event. The Whova app provided easy access to information before, during and after the event. Features included registration, agenda management, attendee networking and real time feedback enhancing the overall event experience for all.

The media platform enabled remote participants to join and therefore broadened the reach of the event. Opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing using chat platforms helped a network of thousands. My colleagues of NZEI Miro Māori (Educational national unionists) used this feature to arrange a lunchtime photoshoot time.

The Kiingitanga social media Facebook page was utilised to inform people about the hosting expectations and supplied a rolling televised footage of the event. Healthy pre-packed morning snacks, lunch packs, afternoon snacks, bottles of water and juices were circulated widely and often. The blending of ICT apps into traditional Māori forums of korero and wānanga Māori was extremely helpful to better support matters around the event.

As Māoridom mobilised en masse for this powerful historic Hui-ā-Motu we can be proud of our achievements and aspirations for the future. We can also celebrate with pride the true essence of Kotahitanga that salutes being Māori, all day, everyday, Mauri Ora! 

Prayer for Unity – Mō te Hui-ā-Motu

E te Atua Atawhai

Whakakotahi i a maatou

Tuakana Teina i roto i te whakaaro kotahi

Whakamahia oo maatou pukenga waananga

Hangaia he ao hou moo te katoa e noho nei ki Aotearoa

Amine.