MEDIA RELEASE
Coastguard New Zealand reached a significant milestone on Saturday when the organisation was gifted an ingoa Māori, Tautiaki Moana Aotearoa.
The name was being gifted by Te Arawa iwi at a special ceremony at Te Papaiouru Marae in Rotorua.
“Tautiaki Moana is more than just a name,” says Coastguard New Zealand CEO, Callum Gillespie. “it’s a way in which we conduct ourselves personally and how we go about our Mission of Saving Lives at Sea.’’
Tautiaki is a word that is similar to Kaitiaki, meaning guardian. The difference is that Tautiaki is based in action – the actions taken provide the guardianship.
“From responding to boaties in need at 3am to education, fundraising and everything in between, our actions allow us to tautiaki everyone who enjoys our beautiful waters,” adds Callum.
Tautiaki Moana was gifted to Coastguard Rotorua Lakes a number of years ago by Ngāti Whakaue, a major hapū of the Te Arawa iwi. Last year Coastguard asked Te Arawa if this name could be used for the whole organisation and were delighted when they gave their strong support.
Coastguard is committed to ensuring its volunteers and staff understand the importance of engaging effectively with Māori. With the social outcomes for Māori being worse than that of Pākehā, including death and hospitalisation because of drowning, Coastguard has a responsibility, to work better with Māori to help improve these outcomes.
“Making a difference to the alarming drowning toll in our country will only be achieved when we are fully engaged with all people in New Zealand,” says Callum.
“Building strong relationships between Coastguard and Māori is about upholding mana, positive experiences and a genuine desire to create an enduring partnership - the gifting of Tautiaki Moana is a crucial step in making these things happen.
“This is a hugely momentous occasion for Coastguard and our 2,000 volunteers around the country.”
