Te mātāpuna o te whakapapa – The source of life

“Women, the bearers of life’s tapestry, weaving strength, grace, and resilience into the intricate fabric of the world.”

In te ao Māori, wāhine hold a revered and central role, deeply intertwined with whakapapa and the cycle of life and death.

Wāhine are the bearers of whare tangata, the sacred vessels of whakapapa, and the nurturers of future generations. The significance of embracing and looking after of wāhine is deeply rooted in acknowledging their pivotal role in the continuity of whakapapa. Whakapapa is not just a genealogical record but a spiritual and cultural foundation. Through their roles as mothers, they carry the ancestral narratives, traditions, and values, ensuring their transmission to the next generations.

Te ira wāhine

Ko Papatūānuku, ko Hinetītama, ko Hine-nui-te-pō. They are central figures in the following framework.

Papatūānuku, earth mother, mother Gaia, the land she is, who gives birth to everything, trees, birds, land etc. From her we have the connection to ‘whenua’ (referring to land), this carries a dual meaning as it also signifies the placenta—the vital organ that nurtures a baby in the womb. Wāhine share a deep connection with the land, as both the land and women are sources of birth. As wāhine prepare to give birth they walk and navigate the realm between the spiritual and earthly dimensions, acknowledging the sacred knowing of bringing life into the world.

Hinetītama, the dawn maiden, the daughter of Hineahuone and Tāne Māhuta. The first ‘natural’ born woman. Showed the promise of possibilities, freedom, and all the beauty that is attached to new life. Transitioning from a girl to a woman, women step into their power of femininity and the beauty that it brings, like a new dawn.

Hine-nui-te-pō, goddess of death, formerly known as Hinetītama. While she is often associated with death, her significance is revered for her profound wisdom, beauty and the cyclical nature of life. Also within Te Pō, darkness is not solely negative but holds potential and the promise of new beginnings. Hinenuitepō presence in Te Pō is a symbol of the hidden potential within the unseen, mirroring the hidden beauty and wisdom within the cycles of life.

Papatūānuku and Hinenuitepō emphasise the importance of a mother’s embrace. We enter the world in the embrace of a mother, and in the circle of life, we return to the comforting arms of a mother when we depart.

It reinforces the interconnectedness of generations and the responsibility of the community to uphold the well-being of those who usher life into the world and accompany souls in their departure.

This three part He Aka Hui series will cover women’s health over their lifespan. 

Part 1: Papatūānuku – Whakatō te kākāno

Friday 10 May 2024 10:30am – 12:00pm

Focus: Early Life and Development

If the soil is healthy, then the seed will bloom therefore we need to prioritise prenatal and postnatal care to create a strong foundation for holistic well-being.

Ensuring a nurturing and healthy start for infants through maternal and child health. This includes prenatal care for expecting mothers, postnatal care for both the mother and baby, and early childhood development. Ensuring a nurturing and healthy start for infants through maternal and child health.

Part  2: Hine-tītama – Poipoia te kākano

Friday 05 July 2024 10:30am – 12:00pm

Focus: Reproductive and Adult Life

As girls enter wāhinetanga, how do we look after or care for young wāhine during the transition to adulthood.

Comprehensive women’s health services covering the transition from puberty to reproductive years. This includes reproductive health education, mental well-being support, and preventive care to address the unique health needs of women during this stage.

Part  3: Hine-nui-te-pō – Kua puawai te kākano

Friday 26 July 2024 10:30am – 12:00pm

Focus: Wisdom Years and Legacy

Speaks to the holistic understanding of life’s culmination, where whakapapa, wisdom, legacy, and the spiritual embrace of Hine-nui-te-pō come together.

It reflects the interconnectedness of life’s journey, acknowledging the continuum of cultural heritage, the accumulation of wisdom, and the spiritual transition encapsulated in the embrace of whakapapa.