KAITIAKITANGA
Kaitiakitanga is the Māori concept for guardianship, relating closely to natural resources like our land, sea and waterways.
We rely on the earth and these resources to survive, making us responsible for ensuring we minimise the impact we create. We all have a responsibility to be Kaitiaki of our surrounding environment, and this extends to both our staff and guests.
SONG – AOTEAROA
This beautiful Māori waiata (song) speaks of belonging to land and no matter where you are from we are all one people and we should look after Papatūānuku (earth mother).
Lyrics:
(Chorus)
No matter if you’re near or far
We come from the land of God
No matter where you belong
We’ll fight for your freedom
I am the mountain, you are the sea flowing toward me
You are the river that runs through me, I am her she is me
Created from dust and sand, born to lead this land
Where we come from we were made to be strong
Our legacy will carry on
And if a piece of home
Resonates in your soul
Your journey will take you
Where you belong
(Chorus x1)
The heritage of this land is deep, we are it’s legacy
I am her warrior, I fight for thee, we have the victory
Born from blood and tears, I am stronger than fear
We strive to move to our destiny
we practice more than what we preach
and if a piece of home resonates in your soul
your journey will take you where you belong
(Chorus x2)
God of Nations at thy feet
In the bonds of love we meet
Hear our voices we entreat
God defend our free land!
(Chorus x3)
Nga Kupu:
(Chorus)
Nō tawhiti, nō tata
nō te whenua o te Atua tātou
ahakoa nō hea mai koe
ka whawhai tonu mātou mōu
Ko au tō maunga, tū tonu
ko te moana pari mai koe
ko koe te awa i taku remu, ko tāua anō tāua
nō te one i Kurawaka, hei tiaki i te whenua nei
Aotearoa, he iwi kaha tātou,
he mana tuku iho mai anō
whenua haumako
wairua ora
whāia tō ara
ki te mutunga
(Chorus x1)
He kōrero tō te whenua, heke mai ki a tātou
he toa au mōna e oke nei e
e kore au e hinga
he uri nō te roimata
te toto o ngā tūpuna
e kore au e wehi ē
Kia kaha tātou ki tāu i pai ai
Whakatinana, kaua e ngutu noa
Whenua haumako, wairua ora
whāia tō ara ki te mutunga
(Chorus x2)
E Ihowa atua
o ngā iwi mātou rā
āta whakarongona
me aroha noa
kia hua ko te pai
kia tau tō atawhai
manaakitia mai
Aotearoa!
(Chorus x3)