December 02, 2020
Hikoi inspiring journeys with ancestors
A Raukawa wahine who is retracing the steps of her tupuna across the central North Island says the hikoi may inspire others to undertake similar journeys of discovery.
Dr Naomi Simmonds and her six companions are nearing the end of a three-week journey from Te Aute near Hastings to the site of Rangiatea Pa near Otorohanga.
That's where her ancestor Māhinaarangi rejoined her husband Turongo after giving birth to their child Raukawa along the way in the foothills of the Kaimai Ranges.
Dr Simmonds says while the walking can be frustrating and painful, there is a reward in each marae where they stay in the evenings.
"As we passed through each rohe and each marae, the whānau have shared the impact that our journey has have had on them. The inspirations that it's had for them to maybe do something similar in relation to their tupuna. Lots of whānau have contacted us about reconnecting with their whakapapa to Māhinaarangi. Lots of really beautiful and uplifting kōrero that we've had", she says.
The hikoi is part of a Marsden-funded research project.
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