Whenua to whenua
Juanita and Tainui Semmens
He taonga nō te whenua, me hoki anō ki te whenua
What is given by the land should return to the land
When our tamariki are born a physical and spiritual link is formed with the land through the return of the baby’s whenua (placenta) to the whenua (land).
Planting the whenua (placenta / afterbirth) of our new born has been a cultural custom amongst us for centuries. The planting of the whenua, sometimes along with the pito (umbilical cord) forms a connection between our new born babies and Papatūānuku, the earth mother who gives birth to all things – trees, birds and people.
Planting of the whenua could be either at your turangawaewae - the place of our whānau or hapū, our home, or the place they were born.
For members of NRAIT we welcome you to plant your newborn’s whenua at Te Uma in a specially designed and dedicated place within the burial grounds for mana whenua ki Motueka. Te Uma is a place of revival, connectedness, knowledge, legacy and remembrance.
Leilani Mausii and her tamariki Miliama Potesio
Several NRAIT members have planted the whenua of their tamariki at Te Uma already. Juanita Semmens and her daughter Leilani have planted the whenua of Manaia, Tainui, Mili and Sulieta at Te Uma.
You may also want to source or make the ipu whenua – the vessel the whenua will be placed in when buried. Traditionally these are clay pots or more commonly woven baskets. Waka Whenua Limited have started producing these in Motueka. Take a look at their Facebook page here.
If you can’t get it back to Motueka there are many different ways to plant the whenua at home, including planting a tree on top of it to continue feeding the earth, burying it in a quiet corner of the garden, in a potted plant to feed the soil, or at another significant place in your home town.
It’s important that if you are planting it away from your own property you seek permission to do so – you could consult your Kuia and Kaumatua for guidance on what to do here.
If you’re interested in planting the whenua of your tamariki, or would like more information on what is involved, contact Nichola on 03 548 0770 or info@nrait.co.nz.