It is said this concept was born from the words given to Tāne advising him to return to Papatūānuku for there he will find the uha tangata (female essence) at kura waka. The Te Ūkaipō tohu and explanation was designed by Jade Tapine and the graphics created by Māui Taewa This is a true and authentic representation and personification of Te Ūkaipō. The convergence of these colours and symbols allows the mauri to be felt visually and spiritually. The colours signify traditional elements that are unified through contemporary design and context. ![]() It is important that we acknowledge the taonga that is gifted by both parents to ensure the mauri and wairua of the tamaiti can flourish to its fullest potential. The colour red connects us to Papatūānuku and the kurawaka where the uha tangata (female element) was found to create Hine-ahu-one (the first female). This design is a representation of māmā and pēpi and the sacred maternal bond between them. The green also reminds us of the union between our tupuna, Mahinaarangi and Tūrongo and the enticing fragrance made from raukawa leaves. The colour green signifies fertility, Tāne Māhuta and the whatukura line of Raukawa. Within a whānau context, the purpose of pāpā, as a pou, is to provide a strong sense of nourishment, stability, and protection. The green koru seen within the hue is a representation of Pāpā surrounding and embracing māmā and pēpi. In this instance, the hue encapsulates the nurturing aspect of whānau and the relationship between māmā, pāpā and our pēpi. Traditionally, hue was utilised to preserve food and provide sustenance of bodily wellbeing for the people. The hue, in this context, also represents the whare tangata (womb) that enhances the development of physical growth. She was the originator of the musical instrument made from hue which produced a soft soothing sound that can be likened to the oriori that we used to pacify our pēpi. Hine-pū-te-hue is the daughter of Tāne-mahuta and Hine-rauamoa and is the kaitiaki and spiritual entity of the hue. E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea. The combining of the ira tāne (male gene) and the ira wahine (female gene) forms an enduring union that serves as a catalyst for whakapapa to prosper. It is a space that exhibits the fusion of mauri (life essence) and wairua (spirit) which manifests into a physical entity that creates life. This tohu portrays the embodiment of whānau. Koia nei te puna whakatupu, te puna whakawhanake, te puna whakaora i te matū o te tangata. Ko te Ūkaipo te iho tāngaengae e hono ai te mauri te wairua me te tinana o te tangata. The programme is designed for Raukawa uri, and people with a strong affiliation to the iwi and rohe, who are pregnant. You will learn all about this at the first wānanga and can decide if you would like to take part in this ceremony. ![]() The second wānanga is focused on celebrating and welcoming pēpi into Raukawa through the traditional tohi ceremony. The first workshop, held in November 2021, is for two days and the second, held in February 2022, is for one day.Īt the first workshop, māmā and their support person will learn how to care for themselves and pēpi in a culturally safe way. It is a three-day programme divided into two workshops. Te Ūkaipō is an iwi led, marae based cultural programme that provides a safe space for hapū māmā, and her support person, to explore and learn about traditional pre-natal, birthing and post-natal options that is best for māmā, pēpi and whānau. The programme provides practical information about Raukawa traditional birthing practices that can support and empower the birthing experience. The programme will be piloted with 20 hapū māmā, and their support person, in November 2021. If you are lucky enough to step inside a wharenui, remember to remove your shoes before entering, do not consume food or drink inside, and always seek permission before taking photos.Te Ūkaipō is a Raukawa designed programme for pregnant women and their whānau to learn about Raukawa traditional birthing practices. ![]() It is also common to see photos of loved ones who have passed away placed inside. Many wharenui contain intricate carvings and panels that refer to the whakapapa (genealogy) of the tribe, and to Māori stories and legends. ![]() The heke (rafters), reaching from the tahuhu to the poupou (carved figures) around the walls, represent the ribs. The amo are shortboards at the front of the wharenui representing legs, while the tahuhu (ridge pole), a large beam running down the length of the roof, represents the spine. The tekoteko (carved figure) on the rooftop in front of the house represents the head, and the maihi (front barge boards) are the arms held out in welcome to visitors. A wharenui resembles the human body in structure and usually represents a particular ancestor of the tribe. The most prestigious of the buildings within the marae is the wharenui or carved meeting house.
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