Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz

As I write this article, I am returning to the rigours of Parliament having spent a little time at the funeral of Ben Tawhiti on Rangiwaea Island.

Ben and his wife Ellen looked after a number of us from St Stephen's School when I was younger – when as students we were lucky enough to 'escape the prison” on leave. He was a great musician and over the years he took up the role as pakeke (elder) for a number of schools in Auckland. He was a respected mentor to a large number of people.

Ben would have lived a fair chunk of his life up in Auckland with his children and grandchildren. Because of this, for some people the thought of Ben returning to be buried on Rangiwaea at the end of his life would seem strange. What is it that makes a person decide to be returned to a place which clearly would have touched his heart yet he was separated from for decades?

It happens in my tribe as well where people have been away for years – they aren't seen at all– yet they and their families decide they will head home to finally rest. As far as I can make out, it is the pull of tÅ«rangawaewae, of Å«kaipō that stays in our hearts. It can be so very hard to explain. That is probably why our people feel so strongly connected to waterways and water itself – or mountains for that matter. We reinforce these feelings and the connections we feel in ourselves each time we stand on our marae.

I always translate Maori speeches for Ministers when I travel with them out to marae and even to news media accompanying us. I do this as I fear them missing the essence of what is being said. Our oratory is far more precise, poetic and real than many might perceive – filled with metaphor that conveys huge meanings. I sometimes get the impression that those whom I translate for think 'oh no not another tribute to the dead” or 'what's that greeting to the mountain and river got to do with me being here?” – in other words, some just do not get it.

Well, if the Government or anyone else hopes that one day these issues around water will just go away, they are wrong. Why? Because it is all about the heart and connection to how people feel – and our people feel strongly about this. Manaakitanga – looking after others – and kaitiakitanga – looking after resources for the benefit of all – is something that connects Maori with all New Zealanders on this matter. Ask any New Zealander where they feel most at home and there will always be a special landscape; a cherished beach to retreat to; the dense stillness of the forest. It is exactly the same for Maori – except our special places have been shared throughout the generations with all those who have come before us. So when we think home, we think of our history; our heritage and we know we must do all that we can to protect that foundation for the future world our grandchildren will inherit.

That's another reason why Ben came home – to ensure the mokopuna that he leaves behind will have another compelling reason to return to Rangiwaea to be reacquainted with who they are.

I welcome your feedback. Email: [email protected] Post: PO Box 12028 Rotorua 3045 Phone: 0508 924 274.