This online resource is to connect Kāi Tahu whānau with our tīpuna knowledge and practices relating to pregnancy, birthing, as well as the much needed support tools for whānau who have lost babies through miscarriage or still birth.

Lynne Te Aika

Lynne Harata Te Aika, MNZM (Ngāi Tahu) was involved in developing Ngāi Tahu’s Māori language strategy in 2000 and has been a member of Kotahi Mano Kāika, Kotahi Mano Wawata for over 20 years.. She also developed Hōaka Pounamu, a post-graduate course for teachers in Māori medium education, She chairs the Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga Education Committee and has developed workshops that have been completed by more than 4,000 teachers. Recently in 2020 she has developed a Ngāi Tahu Te Ahu o Te Reo programme for 500-1000 teachers annually across the Ngāi Tahu Rohe. Lynne is also a Māmā, a Tāua, a writer and composer.

Taku Mere Pounamu, Taku Mere Tāhei

Written and presented by Lynne Te Aika

Kupu:

Nau mai rā
taku mere pounamu
Ki te ao mārama e

Piki mai, kake mai rā,
kia topa tōu wairua
Ki kā raki tūhāhā
Kei reira tūtaki ai ōu tīpuna e
kia kakahuria koe e
tō korowai whakapapa
rakatira e

Kia ako kā mātauraka
Tuku iho
I kā whakatipuraka maha
o Kāi Tahu e
Heke iho rā
I kā mauka whakahī
Kā Tiritiri o te Moana
Tau mai rā ki te pae whenua e

Ka ara pounamu i takahia mai
O tāua tīpuna
Kā Pakihi Whakatekateka o Waitaha e
Kā awa Rakahuri, Waimakariri
e kawe nei
Te waiora mō te iwi e..
Kia tipu taku mātātupu
Kia puāwai e..i

Nei rā taku mere tāhei
Ka tākai ki tōu poho
He kakara maumahara
O kā taoka tuku iho e..i

Translation:

Welcome
my precious pounamu
into the world of light

Let your wairua climb, soar
and ascend to the heavens
where you will meet your ancestors who will adorn you with
a korowai of your noble whakapapa
So, you can learn all of the knowledge that has been passed down by the multiple
Kāi Tahu generations

Descend down via
the snow-capped lofty mountains the Southern Alps
landing on the expansive landscape
The pounamu trails traversed By our ancestors
The Canterbury Plains
The waterways of Rakahuri and the Waimakariri
that carry the nourishing water for our people

Grow strong my young tender shoot And blossom
Here is my precious garland Which caresses your chest
Carrying the memorable fragrances and senses of all the treasures
Handed down over the generations.

Download Nau mai rā taku mere pounamu Kupu