He Ngutuawa he mahinga kai ka ora te iwi

He Ngutuawa
he mahinga kai
ka ora te iwi

When you understand your environment (background) and use your resources wisely, the people will be well taken care of

Ngutuawa is feeding, nurturing, providing sustenance to the children.

He Ngutuawa
he kai mō te hinengaro
hei oranga tamariki

By being inquisitive, able to read and understand the environment and how the kai flows through the waterway brings about wellbeing for the children.