In 2017, New Zealand’s mighty Whanganui River made global legal history by becoming the first river in the world to be granted legal personhood.

In this episode of Te Araroa Tales, I sit down with Ned Tapa, a kaitiaki or guardian of the river, at his waka shed to learn more about the river's story.

Ned shares what it was like growing up on the Whanganui in the 1950s, the legal battle for the river’s rights and the history of the 1993 land dispute symbolised by the iconic blue tarps of Tīeke Marae. We discuss the deep connection he has with the river, captured by the phrase “Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au” (I am the river, the river is me), the impact of early tourism and commercialisation, and what it actually means today for a river to have a seat at the negotiating table.

Whether you're planning your own Te Araroa thru-hike or a paddle down the Whanganui as one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, interested in indigenous rights and environmental conservation, or simply love to hear human stories rooted in landscape and history, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:

• The Living River: The true meaning of the Whanganui River’s historic 2017 legal personhood

• Upriver Upbringing: Growing up on the river in the 1950s, living in sync with nature, community food-sharing, and traditional eel smoking.

• The River as a Mirror: How Māori connect personal energy, high/low tides, and the moon to the natural flow of the water.

• Cultural Connection Today: How Ned uses waka journeys to reconnect city-born youth with their heritage and to introduce international hospital staff to the river.

Chapters:

01:50 Meet Ned

03:39 Growing up on the River

05:14 From Commodity to Personhood

09:47 Life and tourism along the river today

13:46 The river's rapids and its guardians

16:12 Tikanga And River Rituals

18:21 The Tira Hoe Waka

21:01 Tieke Marae and the story of its blue roof

23:46 The River Today

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Show notes:

If you'd like to watch Ned's documentary "I am the River, the River is Me' you can find links to stream it or attend a screening here: www.iamtheriver.org

What happens when the culture you once turned your back on becomes the key to your own healing?

In this episode, Cape Reinga shuttle driver Talz Popata opens up about her personal journey of reconnection with her Māori roots.

She shares the deep, restorative practice and intricate art of korowai (cloak making) that has helped her find personal peace, and explains the traditions of waiata and haka.

We explore what it means to heal through tradition, how sharing her culture with visitors broadens their horizons as well as her children's, and how reconnecting with her roots has restored her sense of belonging.

Topics covered in this episode include:

- The art of korowai making and how traditional crafts can help you reconnect with your culture

- Introduction to Māori cultural practices like haka, waiata, poi

- Why Cape Reinga where the Te Araroa Trail begins is such an important place

- Personal discussion of struggles with mental health and addiction, generational trauma and the healing process.

Show notes:

The music featured in this episode is the waiata “Tōku Reo, Tōku Ohooho, written by Te Okeroa Huriwaka in collaboration with her close friend Te Tawhiro Maxwell, and originally composed as part of a language assignment. The waiata was inspired by Te Okeroa Huriwaka’s passion for te reo Māori and its revitalisation.

At its heart, the waiata is a celebration of te reo Māori as a source of identity, strength, and cultural pride. It reflects the deep connection between language and wellbeing, and the important role that te reo Māori plays in sustaining our whakapapa, stories, and way of life”

- Tracey Gilmer, Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea

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What makes someone dedicate decades of their life to welcoming strangers into their backyard?

For over ten years, James Johnston has welcomed family campers and Te Araroa trail walkers to Nikau Bay, a secluded campsite near Whangarēi built by hand using reclaimed native wood.

Beyond running the camp, James actively maintains the local trail and supports conservation efforts for the endangered Australasian Bittern.

In this episode of Te Araroa Tales, James shares why he chose to put down roots in this quiet corner of Aotearoa 30+ years ago, the story behind creating Nīkau Bay, and why the native Nīkau palm holds a special place in his heart.

If you enjoy this episode, please hit follow or subscribe to hear more local stories from along the Te Araroa Trail, or take a moment to leave a review, which helps spread the word and share these stories with others who are interested in New Zealand’s long distance trail and the local stories along its route.

Show notes:

Love Bittern project: https://lovebittern.com/

Nikau Bay Campsite: https://tutukakacamping.co.nz/