Beautiful peoples

A glimpse at Mana of the Pacific

In times of need and great stress, where do we draw strength from to keep going? Massey University’s Dr Apisalome Movono and Professor Regina Scheyvens have been researching how Pacific communities dependent on tourism have responded during the pandemic. The academics found people drew on their culture and heritage to support one another.

‘‘Examples abound of how people have returned to the land and sea to provide for their families, diversified their livelihood systems, shared more with their neighbours, worked communally for the common good, and supported the less-fortunate,’’ Movono and Scheyvens say.

Inspired by their research, they have compiled a book of traditional proverbs highlighting the wisdom, strength and resilience of Pacific peoples.

The book, Mana of the Pacific, shares photos from a number of Pacific nations, with accompanying proverbs, written in each national language as well as English, revealing the importance of Pacific customs, traditions and lifestyle.

‘‘It shows Pacific people to be resilient, hardworking, caring, family-oriented, grounded in their culture, and strongly attuned to the natural and spiritual worlds. We feel there are many things in here that might encourage children of the Pacific living in other countries like Australia and New Zealand, and also many proverbs that will inspire non-Pacific readers.’’

The proverbs came from published books, as well as a contest on social media to help source more proverbs, especially for languages where there was no previously published work.

The images aren’t necessarily from the same country as the accompanying proverb, but this was a deliberate decision by the authors to highlight unity across the Pacific, and recognise that many of the values are shared across the nations.

The book is divided into themes: kinship and culture, land and spirituality, wisdom, leadership, preparedness, diligence, perseverance, and community solidarity.

Movono and Scheyvens say that for too long Indigenous peoples of the Pacific have been made to feel their culture is outdated, their traditions lack value, and that the only way they can develop is by drawing on external ideas and resources. Mana of the Pacific challenges that thinking, and offers an important counterview, highlighting core values of Pacific cultures and knowledge.

Here is a selection of proverbs from the book.

Tuvalu

‘‘Ulu kite fatu e malu ei koe.’’ Translation: Shelter in the rock for your safety. Meaning: It is important to protect one’s culture as the foundation of identity.

Tonga

‘‘Motu ka na‘e navei.’’

Translation: If the handle breaks off the basket, the navei (supporting strap) will remain and save the basket’s contents from falling out. Meaning: Always be prepared for disaster.

Fiji

‘‘Madu¯ na wa¯ vuka qai gata.’’ Translation: When the wa¯ vuka (a reed) matures, it grows sharper.

Meaning: With age comes wisdom and true strength.

Cook Islands

‘‘Rakau e to¯ na natura, a manu e to¯ na natura. Ko te tangata koia e tiaki.’’ Translation: Plants have their natural place. Animals have their set ways. Humans are but the caretakers.

Meaning: We each have a responsibility to conserve and protect our environment as we are its guardians.

Tokelau

‘‘Toto¯ hau to¯ kiga nei, aua na tupulaga e fa¯ i mai’’ Translation: Plant a seed today, for the future generations.

Meaning: Help your kids learn about their culture and heritage to be confident in their identity.

Samoa

‘‘Ia malu le vai i lou finagalo.’’ Translation: May your mind be like cool water. Meaning: When seeking forgiveness, approach with a calm heart.

Niue

‘‘Tagata ne ai kiva e tau lima, nakai fai tonuhia ke fai talahauaga.’’ Translation: Those whose hands are not dirty should not have a say in important village matters. Meaning: To earn the right to have their voices heard, aspiring leaders should work in the community and serve their people.

Republic of the Marshall Islands

‘‘Kandridrik fan, yokwe dikdik.’’ Translation: A little bit of food, a little love. Meaning: Even if you have just a little food, share it.

Wallis and Futuna

‘‘Ka ta¯ te fala pea tu‘u o me‘e.’’ Translation: When you hear the beat, get up and dance.

Meaning: There is a time for everything. Take appropriate action when the time is right, otherwise you might miss your chance.

Hawai’i

‘‘E lauhoe mai na wa‘a; i ke ka¯ , i ka hoe; i ka hoe, i ke ka¯ ; pae aku i ka ‘a¯ ina.’’ Translation: Everybody pull the canoe together; bail and paddle, paddle and bail; and the shore will be reached.

Meaning: If you pitch in with others, the objective will be achieved. Extracted with permission from Mana of the Pacific by Apisalome Movono and Regina Scheyvens, $40. Mana of the Pacific is in bookshops now, or order your copy at pottonandburton.co.nz.

All proceeds from this book will go towards community resilience-building initiatives in the Pacific.

‘[Mana of the Pacific] shows Pacific people to be resilient, hard-working, caring, family-oriented, grounded in their culture, and strongly attuned to the natural and spiritual worlds.’ Apisalome Movono and Regina Scheyvens