Antarctica from above. Photo: Mike Scott
Te Tiri o te Moana, Te Tiri o te Tangata
The Antarctic Science Platform has been gifted a whakataukī (proverb) and karakia (prayer) and they are offered openly for use by all whānau, researchers and explorers of Te Tiri o te Moana (Antarctica).
Whakatauki, by Mataia Keepa
This whakataukī—“Te Tiri o te Moana, Te Tiri o te Tangata”—acknowledges the sacred relationship between Antarctica (Te Tiri o te Moana), the primordial Ātua (gods), people (tangata), and knowledge (Mātauranga). The word "tiri", which means to plant or to sow, invokes the foundational relationship between Ranginui and Papatūānuku. It symbolises the way in which both science and mātauranga Māori, when cultivated in and through the Antarctic environment, can contribute to sustaining planetary and human wellbeing.
The creation and gifting of this whakataukī by Mataia Keepa to the Antarctic Science Platform stands as a significant milestone in our Vision Mātauranga journey. It provides a powerful and unifying proverb that grounds our collective mahi—connecting both Māori and tangata Tiriti to the research being undertaken in Antarctica, and affirms our shared responsibility to care for and learn from Te Tiri o te Moana.
Karakia, by Delane Luke
This karakia was written and unveiled at the Antarctic Science Platform Hui in Wellington earlier this year. It acknowledges Antarctica, Te Tiri o te Moana as both a place and a taonga (treasure) and affirms our deep connection to it as a people. It references the atua (gods) that preside over Antarctica and shape its dynamic and sacred environment.
The karakia also speaks to the mahi we carry out on the ice and the reciprocal relationship we hold with this unique place. In its final lines, the karakia captures the profound experiences of those who journey south, acknowledging the conditions, challenges, and immense privilege of engaging with the whenua (land), hau (essence) and matao (cold) of Antarctica.
While this karakia was gifted to the Antarctic Science Platform, it is offered openly for use by all whānau, researchers and explorers of Te Tiri o te Moana (Antarctica). It may be used as an opening or closing karakia for a hui. It is appropriate to use this karakia if your hui or kaupapa is about Antarctica, if it is not then it is best to use another karakia.
Like the whakataukī that guides us, this karakia represents a significant milestone in our Vision Mātauranga journey—one where mātauranga Māori and Antarctic science are brought together with respect, mana and leadership.