Reclaiming the right to live on ancestral whenua through grief, justice, and practice

Āwhina Motutere (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera) is a kaitiaki living off-grid with her whānau on ancestral whenua in Tauranga Moana. After returning home and fighting a five-year battle to occupy her land, her kōrero extends the series into the realities of systems and access. She shows that reconnection requires persistence, and that living on whenua Māori is both healing and transformative.

Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua

As man disappears from sight, the land remains

---------------------------------------------

Disclaimer

Te Karanga o Te Whenua is led by researchers based at the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – Maiangi Taiao.

The stories shared in Te Karanga o Te Whenua are personal accounts that were recorded with permission and are presented to reflect the lived experiences, perspectives, and voices of the research partners. These narratives are shared in good faith to inform, reflect, and inspire listeners, and are not intended for advisory purposes. The views expressed are those of the individuals featured and do not necessarily represent the views of the funders or hosting organisations.