In the past couple of years, communities all around Aotearoa have been stricken with the loss of Pahake/elders of chiefly stature.
Rangatahi (range from ages 13-40, no specific age group) engagement in communities, such as roles of the marae, whatever it may be, has since been in practice. Taranaki, unfortunately, have taken the suit in this factor, having lost several predominant pahake over the past couple of years. Maori constantly ponder over the question asked around the motu, “Ma wai ra te marae e taurima? Who will now hold the responsibilities of the marae?” The answer lies amongst the remaining descendants, to fulfil these duties to the people!
On behalf of rangatahi Maori, Student Journalist Bobby-Lee Waru gets out in the community and asks the question that rangatahi would like to know: In reference to the Maori proverb,”Mate atu he tetekura, hara mai ra he tetekura, When one plant frond dies, another plant frond rises to take its place.” What are your thoughts on rangatahi taking over Pahake roles in today’s society?: