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Te Whakapono o Tūmanako - Day 30
The Faith of Tūmanako
In a small village nestled between the mountains of Aotearoa and the vast ocean, lived a young Māori man named Tūmanako. His name meant “hope,” and his kuia (grandmother) often reminded him, “Tūmanako, e moko, your name carries a promise to the world. You must … View moreThe Faith of Tūmanako
In a small village nestled between the mountains of Aotearoa and the vast ocean, lived a young Māori man named Tūmanako. His name meant “hope,” and his kuia (grandmother) often reminded him, “Tūmanako, e moko, your name carries a promise to the world. You must learn to walk the tides of life with grace.”
One summer morning, Tūmanako’s world was upturned. A fierce storm rolled in from the sea, its winds howling like angry taniwha. His whānau’s (family’s) marae was badly damaged, and the crops they relied on were swept away. Despair gripped the village. Many cried to Tangaroa, the god of the sea, asking why such calamity had befallen them.
Tūmanako, too, felt the sting of loss. “Why, Kuia?” he asked his grandmother. “Why does life bring so much suffering?”
His kuia sat beside him, her face weathered with years of wisdom. She handed him a tī kouka (cabbage tree) leaf. “Take this, moko. Bend it.”
Tūmanako did as he was told. The leaf bent but did not break.
“Now, hold it tighter and twist it harder,” she said.
He twisted until the leaf sprung back and slapped his hand, leaving a sting. His kuia smiled gently. “This leaf is like life. It bends under the weight of the wind but refuses to break. Yet when we fight against it, we feel pain.”
Tūmanako listened but wasn’t sure he understood. His kuia continued, “Life is a cycle, moko, just like the seasons. There will be days of sunshine and warmth, and days when the rain soaks the earth. Both are needed for growth. To fight against the storm is to forget the blessings it will bring in its wake.”
In the following weeks, Tūmanako began to embrace his kuia’s wisdom. Instead of mourning the storm, he worked with the village to repair the marae. They sang waiata (songs) of strength and unity as they planted new crops. Tūmanako noticed the soil, enriched by the storm’s floodwaters, yielded more bountiful kumara than before.
Years later, Tūmanako became a respected rangatira (leader). When challenges arose, he would remind his people of the tī kouka leaf. “We are like this leaf,” he would say, holding it high. “Life’s storms will come, but we will bend, not break. Let us move with the winds, not against them.”
The people of the village came to cherish this teaching. They learned to greet hardships with calm hearts and open minds, trusting that every storm would eventually bring new growth.
And so, the wisdom of Tūmanako and his kuia lived on, teaching the generations that to accept life’s ups and downs with equanimity is to find inner peace and wisdom.
The moral of the story is:
Resilience comes from embracing life’s challenges with acceptance and grace. Just as the storm nourishes the earth, adversity can lead to growth and wisdom when met with an open heart.
What's your favourite Christmas song?
There's new ones every year, some become classics and some are not so good. What do you consider your favourite Christmas song.
And more importantly, what song would you ban? Share below!
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The Tale of Hinekiwi and the Mischievous Pīwakawaka - Day 29
In a lush, green ngahere (forest) cloaked in mist, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees reached to touch the sky, lived Hinekiwi, the small and humble brown kiwi. Hinekiwi was known for her quiet and hardworking nature. Every night, under the cover of darkness, she would dig through the soft soil… View moreIn a lush, green ngahere (forest) cloaked in mist, where ancient rimu and kahikatea trees reached to touch the sky, lived Hinekiwi, the small and humble brown kiwi. Hinekiwi was known for her quiet and hardworking nature. Every night, under the cover of darkness, she would dig through the soft soil with her long beak, finding juicy worms and grubs to eat.
Nearby lived Pīwakawaka, the mischievous fantail. With his flitting wings and cheeky nature, Pīwakawaka delighted in playing tricks on the other animals. Though clever and charming, he often pushed his games too far.
One evening, as the moon rose and bathed the forest in silver light, Hinekiwi was busy digging near the roots of a giant tōtara tree. She had found a patch of rich, damp earth teeming with plump worms, a rare treasure. As she carefully plucked one from the soil, Pīwakawaka swooped down, chattering loudly.
“Ah, Hinekiwi! What a feast you’ve found!” Pīwakawaka said, his voice light and teasing. “Surely you don’t need all those worms?”
Hinekiwi looked up, startled. “I worked hard to find these, Pīwakawaka. Please, let me eat in peace.”
But Pīwakawaka was not one to take no for an answer. With a flick of his tail, he darted down, snatched a worm from Hinekiwi’s beak, and zipped into the trees. Hinekiwi called after him, but the cheeky bird only laughed and disappeared into the shadows.
The next evening, as Hinekiwi searched for food, Pīwakawaka reappeared. This time, he didn’t just take one worm—he stirred up the soil with his wings, scattering Hinekiwi’s carefully dug treasures. “Such fun!” he chirped, leaving her with little to eat.
Hinekiwi was patient and wise. Though upset, she didn’t confront Pīwakawaka directly. Instead, she hatched a plan.
The following night, Hinekiwi ventured deeper into the ngahere to a place she knew well—a boggy patch near the edge of a stream, filled with fat worms. But this time, she made sure to spread word among the forest creatures that she had found an especially rich spot for foraging.
It wasn’t long before Pīwakawaka heard the news. Eager for an easy meal, he fluttered over. As Hinekiwi pretended to dig, Pīwakawaka darted down to steal a worm. But instead of finding soft earth, he landed in sticky, muddy clay! His wings flapped furiously, but the more he struggled, the deeper he sank.
“Help! Hinekiwi, help!” he called, his usual cheer replaced by panic.
Hinekiwi calmly approached. “Why should I help you, Pīwakawaka? You’ve stolen from me and made my hard work even harder.”
“I’m sorry!” Pīwakawaka cried. “I only wanted to have fun. I didn’t realize I was hurting you.”
Hinekiwi looked at the struggling bird and sighed. She was kind at heart and knew everyone in the ngahere played a role in the balance of life. “Very well,” she said. Using her strong beak, she dug around the sticky clay until Pīwakawaka was free.
From that night on, Pīwakawaka changed his ways. He still loved to play, but he no longer stole from Hinekiwi or anyone else. And when he saw Hinekiwi working late into the night, he would flutter close and chirp cheerful songs to keep her company.
The moral of the story:
Respect others’ efforts, for kindness is repaid with kindness — but mischief will stick to you like mud.
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How's the government doing so far?
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Share your thoughts below.
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Essential Christmas hacks
William Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring … View moreWilliam Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring festive cheer without the stress. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or simple ways to enhance your celebrations, these tips will make your Christmas brighter and more enjoyable.
Click read more for Suellen’s tips.
Essential Christmas hacks
William Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring … View moreWilliam Sanders resident Suellen loves Christmas and the joy of having family close by. To make the holiday season easier, she shares her favourite tips and hacks. From decorating with lights and faux snow to prepping meals ahead of time and using reusable gift bags, Suellen’s ideas help bring festive cheer without the stress. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options or simple ways to enhance your celebrations, these tips will make your Christmas brighter and more enjoyable.
Click read more for Suellen’s tips.
Have you ever been wrongly ticketed?
A Wellington man was wrongly issued a parking fine and spent over 40 hours going back and forward with Hutt City Council about it.
Have you ever been unfairly fined?
Te Marama me ngā Whetū - Day 28
The Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into … View moreThe Moon and the Stars
In the beginning, when Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother) were separated, the heavens became a vast canvas of darkness. Tāne, the god of forests and man, adorned the sky with radiant stars — each one a tīpuna (ancestor) who had passed into the realm of the gods. They became known as Ngā Whetū o te Rangi (The Stars of the Sky).
Among these stars, the most important cluster was Matariki, whose return each year marked a time of renewal, remembrance, and harvest.
The Moon’s Journey
Te Marama (the Moon) watched from her lonely path in the heavens. She admired the brilliance of the stars and longed to be part of their eternal dance. But Te Marama’s journey through the sky was a solitary one, following her cycle of waxing and waning to bring balance to the tides and light to the night.
Te Marama approached Tāwhirimātea (god of the winds) with her wish. “Tāwhirimātea, I want to shine like the stars and be part of their unity. Please, help me join them.”
Tāwhirimātea, who had scattered the stars across the sky in his fury during the separation of his parents, listened to Te Marama’s plea. But he shook his head. “E Marama, your light is different. You do not burn with fire as the stars do. You are a reflection, a guide for those who walk the earth in darkness.”
Te Marama felt sorrowful but decided to speak with Matariki, the brightest and most beloved of the star clusters.
The Gift of Connection
Matariki greeted Te Marama warmly. “Te Marama, you have your own beauty, but I see your longing. During my time in the sky, I will send my tamariki (children) to guide you.”
Matariki’s children, the stars of her cluster, began to move in rhythm with the moon. They whispered ancient songs of hope, unity, and renewal, their light twinkling like laughter. Te Marama found joy in this companionship, even though it was fleeting.
Each night, as Te Marama waxed to fullness, she felt the presence of the stars more strongly. They taught her how to listen to the world below: the cries of the karoro (seagulls) over the tides, the hum of the forest under the moonlit sky, and the dreams of the people.
The Sacred Cycle
In return, Te Marama shared her light, illuminating the stars so that they could be seen more clearly by the iwi (people) below. Together, they became a guide for fishing, planting, and navigation.
From that time on, the people celebrated Te Marama alongside Matariki, acknowledging the balance between her cycles and the stars' steadfastness. Her waxing and waning became a metaphor for life’s rhythms: growth, rest, and renewal.
The heavens were no longer lonely for Te Marama, as she realised she was part of a greater story — a connection between Ranginui above and Papatūānuku below.
Kōrero Whakamutunga (Closing Words)
Today, when the moon rises full and bright, she reminds us of unity, and when Matariki returns, she brings the promise of new beginnings. Together, they teach us to honour the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the future.
Donate to support Kiwis' Christmas and Beyond
The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living… View moreThe Salvation Army's annual Christmas Appeal, "Give A Little Joy This Christmas," is crucial this year due to rising hardship.
Over one in five Kiwi children face food insecurity, with the situation worse for Māori and Pacific families. Rising unemployment and the cost of living crisis are pushing more people into need, but donations and government support are dwindling.
Despite this, The Salvation Army continues to provide vital services, including food, counselling, and lifestyle programmes. Donations, no matter the size, bring long-term change to families, ensuring joy this Christmas and beyond.
For more information on how you can support The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, please visit:
www.salvationarmy.org.nz...
or phone 0800 53 00 00
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Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful secret Santa … View moreWhy not gift them a magazine subscription tailored to their interests? This Christmas, find the perfect gifts at Mags4Gifts! We're offering up to 30% off a wide range of magazines – there’s something for everyone in your whanau!
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Te Pūrākau o Raukura me te Rama o te Whakapātaritari - Day 27
The Story of Raukura and the Lamp of Detachment
In the serene valleys of Aotearoa, a young wahine named Raukura lived among her iwi. She was known for her tireless dedication to her kawa and tikanga—the sacred customs handed down by her tūpuna. She worked on the marae, tended the whenua, and … View moreThe Story of Raukura and the Lamp of Detachment
In the serene valleys of Aotearoa, a young wahine named Raukura lived among her iwi. She was known for her tireless dedication to her kawa and tikanga—the sacred customs handed down by her tūpuna. She worked on the marae, tended the whenua, and performed the karanga with a voice that resonated like the winds of Tawhirimātea. Yet, in her heart, Raukura felt a longing.
One night, under the light of a full moon, Raukura sought the guidance of her kaumātua, Matakite. He was a tohunga of deep wisdom, known for helping others navigate the wairua realm.
“E Koro,” Raukura said, “I fulfill all my responsibilities to the iwi, but I still feel bound by this world. How can I find peace and freedom in the embrace of Io Matua Kore when my journey ends?”
Matakite smiled knowingly. “Raukura, come to the whare tīpuna at dawn. Bring nothing but your open heart.”
The next morning, Raukura arrived. Inside the whare, a single lamp made of carved pounamu glowed softly. Its flame flickered, yet remained steady.
“This lamp,” said Matakite, “is your mahi, your duties, and your attachments. Your task is to keep it burning, no matter what happens. But remember, the flame is not yours to own.”
Raukura nodded and embraced her new role. Day by day, she cared for the lamp, ensuring it burned brightly while continuing her mahi—weaving cloaks, planting kumara, and guiding her younger whānau in karakia. As time passed, she began to take pride in how brightly the lamp shone, believing it reflected her worth.
One stormy night, a strong gust from the mountains of Tāwhirimātea blew through the whare. The flame flickered and went out. Distressed, Raukura tried everything to relight it, but the damp air and her trembling hands made it impossible.
Exhausted, she sat beside the extinguished lamp, her heart heavy with shame.
At dawn, Matakite entered the whare. Seeing Raukura’s sorrow, he asked gently, “E hine, why do you grieve so?”
“Koro,” Raukura replied, “I have failed. The flame is gone, and I could not keep it alive. I have dishonored my tikanga and my purpose.”
Matakite sat beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “E moko, the lamp was never yours to hold forever. Its flame, like all things in this world, is impermanent. You have misunderstood its purpose.”
Raukura looked at him with tearful eyes. “Then what was the lesson, Koro?”
“The flame represents your attachments,” Matakite explained. “Your mahi and tikanga are sacred, but if you become attached to the outcomes of your actions, you lose sight of the eternal. True peace, te rongo, comes when you serve with aroha, but without clinging to success or fearing failure. Your ultimate purpose is to let go of all attachments and keep your heart fixed on Io Matua Kore, the source of all life.”
Raukura listened deeply, and understanding dawned in her heart. She began to see that her role was not to control the flame but to nurture it while it lasted, and then release it when its time had passed.
From that day forward, Raukura lived differently. She continued her mahi with devotion, but she no longer tied her self-worth to the outcomes. Whether the lamp burned brightly or dimmed, her heart remained steadfast, her thoughts centered on Io Matua Kore.
Years later, when Raukura’s time came, she lay peacefully, surrounded by her whānau. As the final karakia was sung, her last breath carried the whisper of Io Matua Kore’s name. Her spirit soared, free from the bonds of the material world, reunited with the eternal light.
Moral of the Story:
In life, we must fulfill our tikanga and mahi with dedication and aroha, but without attachment to the results. Everything in this world is temporary, like the flickering flame of a lamp. True peace comes when we let go of our attachments and fix our hearts on Io Matua Kore, the eternal source of life. When we embrace detachment, we can find liberation in this life and beyond.
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