Thoughts from an Elder

Napi Waaka, an elder and cultural ambassador of the Maori, explains how non-Maori agricultural and fishing practices are depleting the traditional reserves that the Maori have relied upon for centuries. Many Maori are learning the legal and cultural skills needed to fight the ongoing depletion of their land, but the task of renewing and protecting the environment remains enormous.

Napi Waaka is a Maori elder, cultural ambassador, musician and teacher. He has been actively involved in community building, language revitalization and preservation his whole life. Napi is known throughout Aotearoa New Zealand as a man who can bring people together through his leadership, music and humor. Full bio and links »