Tangata Whenua: The Great Trees [extract], Pacific Films, 1974
Footage of Eruera Stirling welcoming visitors onto Mangahanea Marae, Ruatoria, at the annual conference of Maori [University]
graduates. The nature of Maori protocol demands ability in oratory. The format of Marae procedure is embedded in tradition
(whakatoki, karakia, take...) and speaking rights are never taken lightly. Notice the translation of this particular whaikorero...
“ Hikorangi, pay your respects to our visitors. And you too, the mountains of Aorangi, Kaitai, Wharekea and Whanukau. Also,
Te Pua Hanui and the four tides, pay your respects to our visitors.
Old man Api, who lies on the summit Pupuka, you too welcome the visitors, we are all sad because we have come together
on one of your marae.
Your children and your grandchildren are looking for the treasures of our ancestors, this desire has gone to their
innermost hearts, but you are no longer here to guide them. Indeed, you have gone and with you, you have taken most
of the knowledge.”
Discussion Points
- Imperative – "…pay your respects…"
- Figurative language – "…desire…inner-most hearts."
- Feature of Maori oratory – each tribe has a mountain, and it is often referred to in the introduction to a speech. Here Ngati Porou’s mountain is mentioned (Hikurangi).
- This seems almost like a plaintive cry for guidance. Stirling seems bemoans the fact that much of the knowledge has gone and that he needs help looking for the ‘treasures of the ancestors’.
