10. Te Taiwhanga Matua – Pools & Concourse

Water is important to Māori and has several roles in Māori culture.

Used for blessings, growing, farming, mahi kai, swimming and general wellbeing.

Hā or breath of life exists in all water ways, in particular some special water ways have the essence of wairua (spirit) and mauri (life force).

Some characteristics of water are connected to ones identity and mana or prestige to that area.

There is a saying: When the water is healthy, the land will provide and the people will survive.