LET’S CELEBRATE THE MĀORI LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

 

LET’S CELEBRATE THE MĀORI LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Did you know that New Zealand/ Aotearoa has two languages, English and te Reo Māori?

Māori and the mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) have a deep connection since centuries, way before the early settlers arrived in New Zealand.

It is thank to the Māori if this plant, which consider a treasure (taonga), is known all over the world.

They have used its reddish hard wood for crafting weapons, paddles and even houses.

Its bark has been used for making water containers and waterproof roofing.

The oily leaves, the bark and its ashes have been used for the treatment of skin diseases and of cold symptoms.

The flowers (putiputi) , rich in nectar (waihonga) have always been a great nutritional source for native bees (pī), insects, beetles and small reptiles.

Finally, mānuka honey (mīere) has become very popular due to its unique natural antibacterial, antiviral and immune stimulating properties.