On 4th November 2020, the Ashburton Art Gallery hosted the launch of A Change is Gonna Come, a children’s book that beautifully captures wetlands’ significance and importance to our community. Written by my longtime friend and client Angela Cushnie and illustrated by the talented artist Barbara Jaine, the book is a labour of love and an educational resource aimed at preserving these vital ecosystems. I had the privilege of designing and print coordinating the book, marking a unique collaboration with Angela on a project that was entirely hers.
The story follows Bernard Raupō Bittern III, affectionately known as Boomer, who serves as the self-appointed mayor of the Waipuna wetland community. Boomer, a charismatic storyteller, rallies the wetland locals – from grumpy Mrs Frog to the sleepy lizards – in a bold plea to save their home. The narrative weaves a message of conservation, showing how a local family works with their community to make Boomer’s wetland bigger, better, and safer. It’s a tale that resonates with children and anyone who cares about our environment.
As fate would have it, the person scheduled to perform the opening karakia could not attend, and I was honoured to step in. This experience was particularly meaningful as I reflected on my journey of understanding what it means to be Māori. Below is a transcription of my speech, which I hope conveys the essence of that day and the broader message we sought to share.
Speech Transcription
Whakataka te hau ki te uru
Whakataka te hau ki te tonga
Kia mākinakina ki uta
Kia mātaratara ki tai
E hī ake ana te atakura
He tio, he huka, he hau hū
Tīhei mauri ora!
I have had the pleasure of working with Ange for over 20 years, collaborating on many projects for others. This book, however, was the first time we worked together on something entirely hers. Most of you know me as a graphic designer, but I have also been quietly writing poetry over the years. Now, at 39, I am beginning to understand what it means to be Māori, a journey inspired by Ange’s courage to create something meaningful. This journey has motivated me to do something for myself, and I am finally ready to publish a book of my own – a book of poetry about change.
Just as Ange’s book addresses change, so too does my poetry. I would like to share a poem from my upcoming book that resonates with the karakia I chose to open this ceremony. It is called Falling Leaves.
Like leaves falling in summer, I am out of place.
I am but a reed in the wind, awaiting nature’s command.
As I descend into a world unknown, the wind has a chill.
I encounter feelings of a warming kind.
Though I have never dreamed anything like this before,
It is familiar.
I have been reconnecting with my Māori heritage this past year by learning Te Reo Māori. The karakia I recited earlier carries profound meaning, and I would like to share its English translation with you:
Cease the winds from the west
Cease the winds from the south
Let the breeze blow over the land
Let the breeze blow over the ocean
Let the red-tipped dawn come with a sharpened air.
A touch of frost, a promise of a glorious day.
This karakia speaks to the unity we can achieve by coming together, setting aside our differences, and celebrating under one roof, just as we are today. Every day I wake up breathing is a glorious day, a perspective I have come to appreciate more deeply as I’ve grown.
I have learned that these traditional karakia and the values held by Māori before colonisation, like many ancient civilisations, transcend any concept of ownership or religion. For example, the karakia for blessing food speaks of welcoming gifts from the sacred forests, cultivated gardens, seas, and freshwaters. It embodies a belief that if we look after Papatūānuku (Mother Earth), she will provide for us. The message is simple: take care of Nature, and it will take care of us.
In the spirit of the opening karakia, I believe we cannot come together – as farmers, iwi, city dwellers, or even as a nation – until we understand each other’s perspectives. Only recently have I begun to grasp what it truly means to be Māori, a realisation that came from learning the language. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many free Te Reo Māori courses available across New Zealand. You might just surprise yourself!
In essence, my message is this: unless we approach each other with open minds and open hearts, we cannot fully know each other, and without that understanding, we can never truly become one people united under a nation of nature.
Unuhia, unuhia
Unuhia ki te uru tapu nui
Kia wātea, kia māmā, te ngākau, te tinana, te wairua i te ara takatā
Koia rā e Rongo, whakairia ake ki runga
Kia tina! TINA! Hui e! TĀIKI E!
The launch of A Change is Gonna Come was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, culture, and the power of storytelling to inspire change. I am grateful to have been a part of it, and I look forward to seeing the impact this beautiful book will have on readers of all ages.
