Wahine Maori Reflections on Wai.

As Maori we are strongly connected to the ocean and to the water. These connections form the fabric of who we are and of our identity. As we age and mature, the nature of our relationship to the water changes as well. In this series of papers, we will share some of our insights and reflections about being wahine Maori today and the connections of indigenous identity to the ocean, to water and to the world in general. We are four researchers from Te Koronga, a Maori research excellence kaupapa based at the University of Otago. Tenei matou te koronga.

Anne-Marie Jackson Ngati Whatua, Ngati Kahu o Whangaroa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai Chanel Phillips Ngati Hine, Ngapuhi Chelsea Cunningham Ngati Kahungunu Ngahuia Mita Te Aitanga-a-Mahaki, Te Koronga, University of Otago, School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences

Caption: Figure 1. Te Koronga logo which was designed by Mr Keanu Townsend (Ngati Whatua, Ngati Kahu o Whangaroa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai, Te Roroa). Keanu describes the logo in the following way:

This design embodies kaitiakitanga, Matariki, knowledge of the sky, astronomy and navigation. The mountaintops signify striving for success and reaching the summit, which also representthe three baskets of knowledge. The manaia represents guardianship of the elements for next generations. The fish scales represent the ocean. The harakeke represents the land and the unity of different iwi. Puhoro representthe flow of life and connects all of the elements together

(personal communication, Keanu Townsend, October 2016).