He waka eke noa One of the consistent messages that has come about since this Covid-19 pandemic hit our shores is that we all, each of us, have a part to play. From our
essential services keeping us informed, keeping us healthy, keeping us safe, to the rest of us, staying home and keeping isolated.
One of the Māori phrases that has come up in this time is “he waka eke noa”. This is interpreted as ‘we are all in this together’. Regardless of the role we play, we are all in this together playing our part.
The imagery of the waka is apt given that on a waka, everyone has to play their part or the waka cannot stay its course. The rowers (kaihoe) on each side not only provide the propulsion for the waka but also help the steerer (kaiwhakaue) in keeping the waka on its course.
In this case, our course is to get through the challenge of COVID-19. We all have important roles to play, that will ensure that
our waka stays on course.
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