Te taiao, te tinana, e rua, e rua

Abstract

The title of this paper reflects a Māori[1] perspective to the world we live and move in and our interaction with the environment. Its literal translation, ‘The taiao (environment) and the tinana (human body) are kin’ is the underlying theme of this paper. In researching philosophies and narratives handed down by my ancestors, and those recorded by early ethnologists who came to Aotearoa/New Zealand, it becomes immediately apparent that the ancestors, through careful observation whilst living at one with the environment—its interconnectedness and infinite moods, fashioned a knowledge that everything in this world is connected through whakapapa (genealogy). The interconnected energies that dwell in Ranginui (Sky Father) ngā whetū (stars), momo ua (types of rain), ngā kapua (clouds), te hau (wind) and all weather patterns are all connected through a network of genealogies. On Papatūānuku (Earth Mother), ngā toka me ngā kōhatu (rocks and stones), te wai (water—fresh and salt), ngā rākau (trees), ngā ngārara (insects), ngā manu (birds) and animal life both on earth and in the oceanare all part of a genealogy that reflects the ancestors understanding of the natural world. In the ever-present concern of global warming, climate change and the growing awareness of the need to protect and respect our environmentthis perspective of connected genealogy will assist in providing a conceptual lens to encourage one to view the environment as a living organism, breathing with moods and emotions similar to the human body that is totally interconnected. Through an analysis of the linguistic terms placed on the land by my tīpuna (ancestors) in Aotearoa I will provide a unique perspective that individuals can utilise to solidify their own personal relationship to the taiao (environment), to Papatūānuku, to Ranginui and the energies that sustain life. This analysis may also provide a conduit for comparison or contrast of other indigenous perspectives towards the use of terms for both the environment and the body. [1] The Māori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa-New Zealand.