Lake Tarawera near Rotorua. Photo: Laura Smith / LDR
The lands of the Te Arawa people are around the Rotorua lakes in the central North Island. Te Arawa tribes include Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi and Ngāti Whakaue. Known for their strong, innovative cultural practices, their rohe is our focus for this week’s Regional Wrap.
Raimona Inia Photo: Courtesy Rotorua Library
Joining RNZ Culture 101 to introduce the culture of his region is historian and journalist Raimona Inia.
Raimona Inia’s focus with partner Nikora Mihinui has long been the perpetuation of their culture, with a strong focus on storytelling. A new series of six books they are producing in both Te Reo Māori and English, He hokinga mahara ki a ratou mā capture the proverbs of the elders of Te Arawa and share their origins. There are, Inia says, a total of just under 300 proverbs featured.
Raimona will be introducing the work with a special talk as part of Rotorua Heritage Week on Saturday morning 23rd of November.
Inia’s previous books include E Oho, a collection of historical information also drawn from kōrero with elders of Te Arawa.
Rotorua Heritage Week runs from the 23rd of November till Sunday 1 December with events at various Rotorua locations.
