We were honored to have had the privilege to be welcomed at Mangahāwea. Even from a mile out, there was an indescribable aura surrounding this sacred place as Motorua grew larger with the closing distance. As we approached, we saw our Māori ʻohana waiting for us along the beach, they called us in. The moment we stepped ashore, that spiritual presence that we felt grew stronger and this surge of energy rushed through us.

This sacred place, rich with deep history, grounds us in our roots and strengthens our connections across Moananuiākea. Our elders exchanged their wisdom and affirmation that teaching our next generation is an important duty. We share the hopes of planting seeds by growing educational centers connected throughout Te Moana-nui-a-kiwa.

Elder Bernard Hēnare, son of Sir James Hēnare, reminded us:

“You have come too far… to not go further.
You have done too much… to not do more.”