Abstract

Pohaku were present. Stones were everywhere. It was the ho‘ailona for this stone carver that I was able to open this photographic exhibition book to bear witness to the depth and presence of what is of substance here in Aotearoa. Kaumātua (elders) has, for this Hawaiian cousin, a special meaning as mātua is makua, parent. Ma-kua, a place in our body. Kua is our spine or backbone. There at the site of our uprightness is where our elders exist. They are our backbones, the uprightness of ourknowing, our strength. This stunning collection of photographs and brief moments with 63 kaumātua is a complete and uplifting expression of mana  Māori (Māori prestige).