`E RITENGA ORA O TE TUAKIRI MĀORI

Te Huihui o Matariki Chi Huy Tran (he/him)

Taranaki Tūturu, Te iwi o Maruwharanui, Ngāti Maniapoto

E Rangi, e Papa, e te w`ānau Atua

Ka tū`wera te pū, ka tū`wera te w`akatiputipu

Kia rere arorangi ki ngā tīpuna

Hei w`akamānawa, `ei tiaki i tēnei taonga

Ko te Tā Moko, te taonga pūmau

Ē toi w`akao`o i te wairua, te tinana, te `inengaro

Nā ngā Atua, nā ngā tīpuna, tuku i`o, tuku i`o

`UIE, TĀIKI E!

Mai i taku tamarikitanga, kua w`akamiha au e i ngā toi ataa`ua a ōku tīpuna. Ngā w`akairo, ngā tukutku, ngā raranga, ngā peita, me ngā Tā Moko tino hoki.

Tā moko, `e tikanga tuku i`o ā ngā Māori e w`akairo i te tinana me ngā u`i matatau. `E ā`ua o te w`akapuaki a`urea me te tuakiri, ā, `e tikanga w`akapapa `oki me `e `āngai ki ia ā`uatanga , ā`uatanga w`ānui. E w`akapuaki ana te moko i ngā kōrero mō ngā taeatanga, te rangatira, me te w`akapapa o te tangata. `E toi ataa`ua, he wā`anga w`aka`ira`ira o te taonga tuku i`o o ngā Māori. 

In the art of Tā Moko, I find a profound connection to my identity, my ancestors, and the spiritual realm. To me, my body is like a piece of wood, waiting to be carved with intricate patterns that tell the story of my Whakapapa, who I am as a person. Each line etched onto my skin is not merely a design; it's a link to my heritage and the spirits of my ancestors. Each of those lines carry mana within them. When I look at my body, I can see and feel my moko on my skin;  I can sense and feel the wairua of my tīpuna inside of me. I feel healed.

As the needle touches my skin, I feel the presence of my forebears guiding the artist's hand. The process is more than just physical; it's a spiritual journey, a communion with my past and te Atua. With every stroke, I am reminded of te aumangea, mānawanawa and mātauranga of those who came before me. Through Tā Moko, I carry on the legacy of my people, honouring their traditions and preserving our cultural heritage. It's not just about adornment; it's a statement of pride, a declaration of who I am and where I come from. In each pattern, I see the stories of my ancestors woven into the fabric of my being, reminding me of the strength and beauty of my heritage.

Our tradition was, for centuries, a vibrant one. Yet it was nearly lost to the shadows of colonisation. For years, our cultural identity was suppressed, our practices forbidden. But now, as a rangatahi among many many other young individuals, I see the importance of reviving this ancient art form.

Let us, the young generation, carry the torch forward, preserving and promoting Tā Moko for generations to come. E hoa mā, it is our mission. Don’t ever feel whakamā, or that you’re not worthy to wear moko. It is our birthright as Māori.  In doing so, we honour our past, empower our present, and ensure a vibrant future for our ancient and beautiful practice.

Chur,

Huy.