It’s time to stand.
Stand in the legacy of our tūpuna, for their wisdom brings greatness and strength in action. Whaea Tariana said yesterday, “Trust us to do what we know to be right.” Matua Te Ururoa says, “Our people [have always been] ready to serve as a backbone for the whole of the country.” We’ve seen it in the rāhui checkpoints. We’ve seen it in whānau distributing kai and hygiene packs. We’ve seen it through the mobilising of our Māori Health Services. E tū i tō maru tūpuna. E tū i tō maru roa. A person is measured in the length and breadth of their shadow. And, depending on where you stand, your shadow can be as big as your wharenui or your maunga. It’s time to stand. Make our shadow great.