About Us
Traditionally the Waitaha Nation are a Matriarchal people who followed the philosophies of Peace known as Rongomaraeroa, the entity of Peace. Incidentally there have been no weapons of war found in the oldest archeological sites in our land of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The Teachings from the Wananga Schools, placed high value on genetic memory, patterns of memory and passing on the traditions of their ancestors by teaching the grandchildren the way of living in a reverent way with all things and all people. Humility, deep respect and self discipline were the concepts and values interwoven in this way of life.
Until now we have hidden our beginnings, and all that followed, in the shadows. In this way we protected our knowledge in the silence of the Whare Wananga, the School of Learning of Waitaha. Now is the time for our treasures to be brought into the light. We do this for the children, and their children, and all who call this land home. We are of Tane Matua, and we follow Rongo Marae Roa, the Female Entity of Peace.
In the wisdom and aroha (love) of those words, we say: ‘Let the sacred kete (basket) be opened for the ancestors to speak again. Let the ancient karakia and waiata be heard throughout the land. Welcome to the trails of the peoples of the Nation of Waitaha. May you journey far in peace and understanding.’
The Song of Waitaha: Histories of a Nation was first released to the world in 1994. It was republished again in 2003. In 2006 Whispers of Waitaha: Traditions of a Nation was released at the time of Mataariki , June 2006. Both books are available directly through this website.
Nau mai, haere mai. We welcome you to our pages.
