Te Urewera – The Living Ancestor of Tūhoe People

Tūhoe people perform a haka, a traditional challenge, as government officials arrive for the 2014 Tūhoe-Crown Settlement Day ceremony where the government formally apologized for historical injustices. Tāneatua, New Zealand. 

Tāme Iti, a prominent Tūhoe activist bearing a traditional facial tattoo, stands at the 2014 Tūhoe-Crown Settlement Day ceremony where the government formally apologized for historical injustices. Tāneatua, New Zealand.
 

Horses roam freely in Te Urewera, serving as crucial transportation in the rugged terrain. Maungapohatu, New Zealand.

John Rangikapua Teepa (63) gathers pikopiko, edible fern fronds, near his home. Pikopiko are considered a delicacy among Tūhoe elders. Ruatoki, New Zealand.

Ruiha Te Tana (12) relaxes at her grandfather's home. Built by an ancestor in 1916, the homestead serves as a living archive of Tūhoe history. Ruatoki, New Zealand. 

Carol Teepa sits in her kitchen with her youngest grandchild, Mia, and her son, Wanea, one of more than 20 children she adopted according to Māori custom, to strengthen traditions and family ties. Ruatoki, New Zealand.

Mihiata Teepa (16) and her Tūhoe Māori Rugby League U16 teammates perform a haka during practice before a game. Rotorua, New Zealand.

Children from the Teepa family drive the younger siblings home, after a swim in the river. Tūhoe children are taught independence and to care for other family members. Ruatoki, New Zealand. 

Children from the Teepa family gather around to watch the newborn piglets at the family farm. Ruatoki, New Zealand.

Apprentices from a local school learn essential farming skills at Tataiwhetu Trust, an organic dairy farm – the united effort of six families. Ruatoki, New Zealand.

Teepa children share a watermelon. John Rangikapua Teepa and his wife Carol have raised more than 20 children adopted according to the Māori whāngai custom, to strengthen traditions and family ties. Ruatoki, New Zealand.

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