Home Has Always Been Waiting, with Natasha Koia

Returning home to whenua as a process of reclaiming belonging, identity, and everyday kaitiakitangaNatasha Koia (Ngāti Porou, Te Aitanga a Mate, Te Whānau a Rākairoa, Te Whānau a Tāpuhi) is a kaitiaki and systems-thinker living in Makarika, Tairāwhiti (Gisborne), where she and her whānau built their whare on ancestral whenua beside Rongoitekai Marae. Opening the series, her kōrero is shaped by her grandparents’ reo and values. Tarsh bridges lived practice and deep insight, reminding us that belonging is inherited and that there is space for everyone to return: home has always been waiting, and there is enough space for everybody.No runga, no raro kare i whakapapatiaWe are all connected, there is no separation---------------------------------------------DisclaimerTe Karanga o Te Whenua is led by researchers based at the Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Group, now part of the Bioeconomy Science Institute – Maiangi Taiao.The stories shared in Te Karanga o Te Whenua are personal accounts that were recorded with permission and are presented to reflect the lived experiences, perspectives, and voices of the research partners. These narratives are shared in good faith to inform, reflect, and inspire listeners, and are not intended for advisory purposes. The views expressed are those of the individuals featured and do not necessarily represent the views of the funders or hosting organisations.