It is important to our history and culture to grow and develop in the place you belong. Traditionally, that is our tūrangawaewae, and for Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa hapū, that is the Whakarewa lands of Motueka.

Traditionally hapū would stay in the rohe of their marae and move together, but today we move around so easily, and as a result, we live throughout Aotearoa and the world. Even though we’ve spread, we encourage Ngāti Rārua Ātiawa Iwi Trust members to reconnect and return home in the hope that members develop a sense of unity and belonging, deepen their connection and embrace the legacy of our tūpuna.

This year, Jeremy decided to move himself and his whānau back home to Te Tau Ihu from Wellington. Which means his tamariki will grow up alongside their cousins, as well as learn more about their tūpuna. Reconnecting with the whenua and their whānau is important to Jeremy.

Check out this video, and listen to his kōrero about how being home and reconnected has impacted him and his whānau.