Waikato the wanderer

WAIKATO THE WANDERER ANIMATED VIDEO

Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board

A captivating, animated video which tells a Tūwharetoa story about the creation of the Waikato Awa was launched at Taupō’s Starlight Cinema in July.

‘Waikato the Wanderer’ is a 16 minute animated video resource. It was a collaborative project pulled together and supported by Ngā Kaihautu o te awa o Waikato committee, the Trust Board, Ngāti Tūwharetoa Mercury Development Group and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Genesis Energy Committee. The animation follows the stories of Atua and Tupuna shared by Ngāti Tūwharetoa experts.

It reflects on the feats of Tane-Mahuta, Maui, Tongariro and Taupiri, and the Waikato and Rangitaiki awa – weaving historical accounts together into a modern day context. Ngā Kaihautu o te awa of Waikato committee member, Ngahere Wall, says

Project coordinator, Tredegar Hall, was excited to see the video launched. “This animation illustrates our kaitiakitanga and our strong connection to our Te Taiao. It’s for our marae, hapū and kura to help maintain our mātauranga and tupuna kōrero. Waikato the Wanderer can be viewed on the Trust Board’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/ FK5pH5r_IM4 • “...“the purpose of the video is to share Tūwharetoa history and stories though a medium which can also be used as a learning resource for current and future generations of Ngāti Tūwharetoa.”