The kaupapa for my final work was taken from the kupu or words from the waiata ‘He kākano āhau’. The songs reminds us that we all connect back to Rangiātea and descend from a line of rangatira. There is a strong message in the waiata about holding on to our identity and language: ‘Ka mau tonu i āhau ōku tikanga, Tōku reo, tōku oho-oho, Tōku reo, tōku māpihi maurea, Tōku whakakai marihi’ which translates as ‘I will hold fast to my traditions. My language is my cherished possession. My language is the object of my affection, my precious adornment’. I made this piece as a gift for my sister because of the message it carries – it will be her precious ornament
