Te awa O Haunui-a-Nanaia - Taha Wairua

Te awa  O Haunui-a-Nanaia

On Friday night we took a long walk down to this river, as we sat on the side of the river and learned our karakia I had a huge urge to jump into the river but it was 1-2am in the morning and that's just crazy and it was freezing.
I was delighted that on return to the marae on Saturday afternoon we detoured back to the river. As soon as the detour happened I just knew we were going back to the riverside. At that point, I decided I was absolutely going for a swim!!!
As we stood with our feet in the water I felt the aches of my feet disappear. When Tipi called it was time to go I dived into the water. It was the most refreshing feeling, in that instant, I felt at peace with myself and one with the awa, my body felt at ease, and I was overcome with calmness. 
As I got out of the water I had a real urge to go back and bathe for a bit but we had to keep moving. E rere ana ngā mihi ki te awa  O Haunui-a-Nanaia.

Ko au ko te awa, ko te awa ko au!