Chris Webber, Senior Policy Analyst (Māori)

In a Māori view of the world, children of Rangi and Papa may well be having a field day with mankind implicated in the mix. We can globally be reminded of our individual actions that support the kotahitanga or unity needed to change our destiny and reduce the wrath we are set to face. Everyone can lift where they stand and will be needed in this, reflected in these two whakatauki:

• Mā pango, mā whero, ka oti ai te mahi - the importance of collaboration and partnership to complete the work
• Nau te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi - our combined food baskets will sustain the people

But the 'why' in this is hidden until we examine the corners of our hearts: 

He kokonga whare e kitea, he kokonga whare e kore e kitea - we can see the corners of a house but not the corners of our hearts. 

By examining ourselves and our caring for each other as siblings in the world may we have the heart to change our nature as selfish beings. Kia kotahi tatou te whanau o te ao - be as one in the world through organised intention and efforts!

*Picture is of the kohatu called Te Ao as it looks a bit like the world shiny green and blue.