Guidance in times of change: HURIHANGA

Reconnecting ourselves to our origins, land, forest and sea.

Aotearoa (New Zealand) has a rich tapestry of history and traditional stories, or pūrākau

(myths) and pakiwaitara (legends), that deeply connect its people to the land (whenua). These

stories, passed down through generations, are not just tales of the past but also hold timeless

lessons and serve as guides for navigating contemporary life. These stories reinforce cultural

identity and provide a sense of belonging and continuity. They help keep the language,

traditions, and wisdom of the ancestors alive.

Our Stories

Values and Morals: Pūrākau often carry important values and morals. The tale of Tāne

Mahuta separating Ranginui and Papatūānuku to create space and light for their children

teaches about the necessity of making difficult decisions for the greater good and the

importance of balance in the world.

Guidance in Times of Change: HURIHANGA

Stories of transformation, like the hurihanga of Papatūānuku, can offer comfort and

guidance during times of personal or societal change, showing that pain and disruption can

lead to growth and new beginnings.

HURIHANGA.

"Hurihanga"; is a Māori term that can be translated to "transformation"; or "change

• Huri means "to turn," & "to revolve," or "to change."

• Hanga means "to create," "to build," or "to fashion."

When combined, hurihanga refers to a process of turning or changing, often with a sense of

creating or building something new in the process, akin to a transformation.

Usage in Mythology

The story of Tanemahuta (Tāne Mahuta), the god of the forest, and Papatūānuku (Papa), the

Earth Mother, perfectly illustrates the concept of hurihanga. Tāne Mahuta separated his

parents, Papatūānuku and Ranginui (the Sky Father), bringing light into the world and

creating the natural world as we know it. Turning Papatūānuku over and clothing her in a

cloak of forest can be seen as a beautiful transformation, symbolizing the power of change to

bring about new beginnings and growth.

The Concept of Change

Your idea, Rachelle that change can be both painful and beautiful resonates well with this story. The separation of Papatūānuku and Ranginui caused immense grief but also allowed for the creation of the world, illustrating how transformation can involve struggle but ultimately lead to something beautiful and necessary.

Anthony Tipene - Author