Unprecedented. This is the kupu that has been traipsing circles through my mind since the government announced the lifting of the border that has been surrounding Auckland for what seems like aeons.
For us in Te Hiku ō Te Ika, the act of holding our breath has become an art form. We have felt the longing for our loved ones barricaded in by our mutual enemy. Just like the yearning of Ranginui for his whaiāipō Papatūānuku, we have shed tears. We have felt the deep absence in each other’s lives.
And now, our long-awaited reunion is nigh.
Whiria Te Muka is the Te Hiku Iwi-NZ Police partnership that works to reduce and prevent whānau harm and uplift Mana Tangata for our people in Te Hiku ō Te Ika. We work with whānau who have experienced reported and unreported whānau harm, either directly to nurture positive change or on the other end of the spectrum to influence systems change at scale.
We understand how the complex dynamics and layers of whakapapa embedded within whānau relationships can spill over into family violence. But we also know that, like one of our famous waves up here in the North, the moment that it comes crashing down into chaos can be triggered by the smallest of incidents.
Knowing this, and understanding that emotions are likely to be heightened during this most unprecedented ‘Raumati-Summer of Reunions’, there are proactive things we can do to make sure that we all have a great time.
If you’re expecting whānau to come up, make sure they’re a kōhā not a hōhā. Don’t be whakamā to ask them to chip in on the kai, on the water, on the power. Because once those bills come rolling in from February, some of us will be feeling the pinch of financial stress.
Also, remember that Christmas time is about your presence and not your presents. Getting yourself into debt or booking up to make sure that the bottom of your Christmas tree is loaded does not make for a happy Christmas. The greatest gift we can give to each other is our time.
This is particularly true for our kaumātua who can feel isolated at this time of the year, as nostalgia kicks in and memories of loved ones passed draw close. Make sure you check in with your kaumātua to ensure that they feel the aroha this year too.
And of course, some of us will be celebrating our catch-ups with alcohol. This is a reality. But, be mindful that alcohol remains our number one trigger of whānau harm. So, let’s just make sure that we’re proactive about it, that we’re watching how much we’re drinking, how we’re drinking and that our tamariki are safe at all times.
Other than that, us hau kāinga here are ready for the unprecedented. We’re ready to put our arms around our loved ones and welcome them home.
Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho. There is no place like home.
Credit : Northland Age.
