Instantly it struck a chord within me.
Tūrangawaewae is one of the most well-known and powerful Māori concepts. Literally tūranga (standing place), waewae (feet), it is often translated as ‘a place to stand’. Tūrangawaewae are places where we feel especially empowered and connected. They are our foundation, our place in the world, our home.
Aotearoa / New Zealand gets under your skin. Sometimes I find it hard to put my finger on what it is - the land, the people, the culture, the spirituality, the 'specialness' that seems to abound in this country.
When I first read the word & definition 'tūrangawaewae' in Tapu Te Ranga Marae (a not entirely traditional Māori meeting house, but still a very special place) I was rapt in the idea, enchanted by a concept which felt much more grounded than any european concept I'd ever come across.
When I consider how connected I feel to Aotearoa's land, sea, sky and everything in between, I know I have found my Tūrangawaewae.
When I think about the people I have met here, the work that's found me, and the beautiful place I live, I know I have found my Tūrangawaewae.
When I consider the community initiatives I've joined and kickstarted, and what we're achieving with them, I know I have found my Tūrangawaewae.
I feel incredibly lucky to have landed with enspiral especially... this group of talented peeps, the 'brighter future' we believe in, and the platform we're building for ourselves to stand on to do what we think needs to be done. Enspiral is my Tūrangawaewae.
I don't see myself moving for awhile, not when I have my feet in this soil, my mind in this business, surrounded by these people (enspiral, intersect, collaboration cafe, conservation volunteers), and in love with this girl.
Can't wait to have my folks join me in my 'place to stand' tomorrow.
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