"As kaitiaki (guardians, carers) we are responsible for protecting those our ancestors left for us. That includes Papatūānuku — the land that we belong to. They have left us to protect and look after it for the next generation. When we are gone, our children will have the honour and privilege of protecting our Papatūānuku including the rivers, lakes and mahinga kai (growing of food) resources."

Dame Aroha Reiriti-Crofts cited by Tui Cadigan in "Te Kaitiakitanga o te Wai Māori" in TM issue 272 July 2022: 7

Creating God
keep us humble as kaitiaki
committed to caring for the environments
we live within.

A little dose of funnies: