Culture / Te Ao Māori

Whakataukī of the Week with Dr Hinemoa Elder

21:15 pm on 22 January 2024

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In the first of a weekly segment, Nights welcomes a guest to share their favourite whakataukī or Māori proverb, explain where it came from, what it translates to, and how it relates to the world around us.

Dr Hinemoa Elder (Ngāti Kuri, Te Rarawa, Te Aupōuri and Ngapūhi) is the author of a book of whakataukī called Aroha Photo: Supplied

Dr Hinemoa Elder is a professor in indigenous research at Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and the author of a book of whakataukī called Aroha and joins Emile Donovan to explain what whakataukī are and to share two of her favourites.

1. "Ki te kotahi te kākaho ka whati, ki te kāpuia e kore e whati.
When we stand alone we are vulnerable but together we are unbreakable

2. He iti pioke, nō Rangaunu, he au tōna.
In the wild tides of Rangaunu the small shark makes its own wake