Issue 95

NGĀ HAU E WHĀ
FROM THE EDITOR

It is such a privilege to publish a small selection of acclaimed photographer Anne Noble’s images from the upcoming Te Kura Taka Pini photographic exhibition – Unutai e! Unutai e! (page 8) opening at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery in May 2025. The photographs have been captured as evidence for the Ngāi Tahu Freshwater Statement of Claim, which commences in the High Court on 10 February. Anne’s stunning images tell a disturbing and somewhat overwhelming story of the severity of the degradation of waterways in the takiwā.

When the Ngāi Tahu Freshwater Claim was lodged in the High Court in 2020 Te Maire Tau spoke of the importance of the Claim, saying: “There is something that defines us as Ngāi Tahu and that’s our relationship with the awa, our mahinga kai, our mountains, the land, the waters and that’s who we are ... If we leave this too much longer we are going to have a generation who do not know their ancestors and our ancestors live on the land.”

This powerful message speaks to the urgency of taking action to assert rakatirataka over the things that matter most, and mirrors the intent of Mō Kā Uri – Kāi Tahu 2050 shared with whānau at the recent Hui-ā-Iwi in Kaikōura. At the heart of this collective tribal vision is the dreams and aspirations of whānau captured over 18 months. Beautiful in its simplicity, it clearly articulates a way forward into the future that gives effect to the tribal whakataukī Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children after us while being informed by and acknowledging the past. The decisions we make and the actions we take today will impact the lives of the future generations – what is the world we will leave behind? Read more on page 18.

In this issue our Te Ao o te Māori features the talented Morgan Darlison, a multi-disciplinary artist whose portfolio of high-profile public works in and around Ōtautahi is impressive to say the least – one of her latest in the new sports stadium – Te Kaha. Morgan's artworks are a welcome recognition of Kāi Tahu as mana whenua in this landscape.

Enjoy the read!

Mō tātou

Nā ADRIENNE ANDERSON WAAKA