Introducing the event categories for EcoFest West 2021
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If you’re new to EcoFest West, we’d like to introduce you to the five event categories that make up Auckland’s biggest environmental festival.
The month-long festival runs from Saturday 20 March to Sunday 18 April 2021 and features more than 140 events. Throughout the month, events will fall into one of the five categories below;
Waka Hourua/Clean Transport
Get moving with sustainable transport
Waka Hourua are traditional double-hulled ocean voyaging vessels. On arrival, these vessels were split and the hulls used as waka pitau or coastal voyaging craft. By removing the bargeboards, waka tiwai or river vessels were created, which could be used to navigate inland waterways. The name Waka Hourua was chosen to represent Clean Transport as it reminds us of the great voyages made before the use of fossil fuels.
Kīnaki Kai Reka/Foodies’ Fix
Fill your plate with locally grown and crafted food
Kīnaki Kai Reka refers to all of the wonderful things you can do with food such as cultivation, preparation and cooking. The word kīnaki refers to ingredients, condiments and garnishes, kai refers to food, and reka denotes a sweet and palatable taste.
Te Whaihanga/Makers’ Mayhem
Meet local creators and get hands-on in DIY workshops
Te Whaihanga refers to the ability to create, conceive and imagine without limitation. It is the ability to create something beautiful, memorable and lasting – a gift that can be passed onto others.
Torohē Nuku/Explore Nature
Get out and explore the natural gems in our backyard
Torohē nuku is an old term used to describe the exploration of land, and can also refer to the explorer and their encounters. Torohē means the detailed examination of land features such as lakes, springs, streams and animals. Nuku is an abbreviation of Papatūānuku (Mother Earth). The reason for exploration was to establish an understanding of one’s surroundings and resources, and to identify possible threats and how to mitigate them.
Mauri Noho/Conscious Living
Discover smarter ways to live the good life
Mauri noho is an old term used to describe a meaningful existence living in peace and harmony with oneself, the environment and others. Noho means to settle and to dwell. In this context, the word mauri reminds us to be conscious of our surroundings, thoughts, words and actions. It talks of respect for living things, and teaches us to tread lightly and leave nothing but footprints behind.
Ngā mihi to Tau Marsh for creating these names in te reo Māori.
To see full details of all EcoFest West events, please visit www.ecofest.org.nz or pick up a copy of the programme to find an event that interests you. You’ll find printed versions of the programme at cafes, libraries and community centres across Central and West Auckland, or you can grab a copy from the EcoMatters Store, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn (open Wed-Sun, 10am-2pm as always). Alternatively, you can download the full programme at www.ecofest.org.nz without leaving the house.
