Te Haumanu Taiao – using the karakia
Learn this karakia and use it when carrying out activity that supports te taiao (our natural environment).
He Karakia Haumanu Taiao was created for the resource Te Haumanu Taiao: Restoring the natural environment in Tāmaki Makaurau.
The karakia is focused on establishing a fundamental connection with te taiao.
The respectful and informed use of the karakia is encouraged:
- Read the background in Te Haumanu Taiao - pages 2 – 8 and chapters 1 and 2 of the guide
- Watch the video below to gain a deeper understanding.
It’s important that you first ask if there is anyone from mana whenua present who would like to open with karakia. They should have the first opportunity to provide karakia regardless of their involvement in the activity. If they do this, then remember to support them to close the activity with karakia. Where this is the case, no further karakia is required.
If there are no mana whenua present then you can provide this karakia at the beginning and end of a conservation activity that takes place in the region, like the following examples:
- planting
- trapping
- removing pest plants
- species monitoring
- conservation meetings or gatherings.
If you're unsure or have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch using the contact us button in the footer.
See below for the links to two downloadable posters of the karakia (.pdf) in A4 and A3 sizes.
He Karakia Haumanu Taiao
Ko Ranginui e tū nei
Ko Papatūānuku e takoto nei
Kia haumanutia ko te taiao kia ora
Kia kumanutia ko te taiao kia mau
Kia tina! TINA!
Hui, ē; TĀIKI, E!
This is the force of the heavens above
This is the force of the earth below
May the environment be restored to total health
May the environment be fostered to last
forever steadfast
Acknowledgement
Auckland Council would like to acknowledge Ngā Iwi Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau, in particular video narrator Adrian Pettit (Te Ākitai Waiohua). Also, Gavin Anderson (Ngaati Whanaunga) for his invaluable support and direction.
