Wai (water) is a treasure, it is there to be used and enjoyed, but above all it must be respected.
Kia Maanu Kia Ora l Stay Afloat, Stay Alive embodies the intimate connections Māori have always had with wai. It is central to Māori identity, as a life-giving force for sustenance, health and wellbeing.
The kaupapa of Kia Maanu Kia Ora l Stay Afloat, Stay Alive acknowledges that water safety is not merely about teaching water skills.
It must start with a deeper understanding and respect for wai that is natural for Māori, which can also lead to the provision of more purposeful drowning prevention for all New Zealanders.
The Wai Puna model draws on three core pillars: Whakapapa, (the first drop or mātāpuna, the source), Mātauranga (the inner ripple or tūpuna, the traditional knowledge) and Tikanga (the outer ripple, or mokopuna, representing engagement), as they pertain to wai.
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The source of water safety knowledge. Whakapapa is depicted in the koruru kaitiaki pattern (carved face), a representation of atua, and their importance for understanding our spiritual connection to wai (water).
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The deepening of water safety knowledge. Mātauranga stems from whakapapa and is symbolised by the whakairo (carving) pattern known as puhoro – traditional knowledge. Tūpuna or ancestors are the caretakers of traditional knowledge.
The application of water safety knowledge.The last puna (mokopuna) is tikanga. The whakairo patterns within this outer ripple represent the various ways Māori engage with the water such as depicting waka sails for voyaging, fish scales (mahinga kai) and waves (recreation).
Te Waiora is a 4-part documentary series exploring the deep connection Māori have with water. It profiles community water safety advocates across Aotearoa who are working to strengthen this connection with their people through whakapapa, mātauranga and tikanga.
See videos hereDion Aupouri-Akuhata is empowering whānau in Te Tairāwhiti with the skills, tikanga and knowledge to gather kaimoana safely and sustainably.
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A spike in underwater, rock fishing and boating incidents has seen New Zealand’s provisional preventable drowning toll jump back up to almost the five
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Māori water experts say future drownings could be prevented if water safety signage educated people about the meaning behind Māori place names.
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