E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea
My strength and identity are inherent, a seed sown from ancestral origins.
Honouring Our History, Tikanga and Rights
At the heart of the Āwhitu Collective is a deep commitment to living in honour, integrity, and truth. We proudly stand in alignment with He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (Proclamation of sovereign state) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognizing these sacred documents as the foundation of our choices as individuals and as a collective.
In stepping forward as a self-determining collective, we acknowledge both our inherent rights and the profound responsibilities that come with them. We walk in deep respect of the ancestral rights of the mana whenua, aligning our choices daily with the guiding principles of our Hapū Tikanga.
The establishment of our Big Bay hub is a lived expression of this self-determination. By building spaces for wholesome food, traditional healing, and resilient local systems, we are creating practical choices outside of mainstream frameworks—giving our community the power and opportunity to take responsibility for their own path forward.
Want to Learn More?
Understanding these foundational histories is a journey we love sharing.
For specific questions or to connect with us directly, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us
To dive deeper into the history and meaning of He Wakaputanga, explore our Wānanga and Workshops page to view upcoming workshop dates.