Huia e huia tangata kotahi.

Huia your purpose is to bring people together.

 

This whakataukī (Māori proverb) resonated with my heart and inspired me to reflect on how we can respond to the huia story, to meet and work together.

It's been an invitation into the Huia People adventure - create a thriving world. Learning how to weave together differences and discover a future that is better than we could create in isolation from each other.

 

The first design in the Huia Collection came from reflecting on who-we-are as people.  I grew up in the 80's listening to 'We are Sailing' and experiencing a nation uniting as they set out to win the America's cup. This is the Aotearoa I love and want for future generations - working together, like the huia, so we all win! 

 

We have a history of working together - it's who we are. 

 

Our history is not perfect but none of us are. What's important is acknowledging the past, walking with courage and humility through the present, and having hope for the future. The story of the Huia encourages us to celebrate our differences and remain united in what we share, our humanity.

 

When we join the huia call, to meet together in unity, we actively protect this aspect of our society, so it does not become extinct, like the huia bird.

 

The next design - the Huia People heart - came out of a diary doodle. I was thinking about how, like the huia, we need to connect in order to thrive. I started sketching a heart, then saw the two Huia beaks - making their heart complete through their connection. 

 

The Huia teaches us the value of long-term relationships. This is so important as we recognise the growing epidemic of loneliness. We fight loneliness by standing together, working together and by understanding that every connection counts!

 

If we haven't  grown up feeling like we have access to a listening ear, a family, a community, then learning to connect can be a courageous adventure. If we have had the richness of connection, then quite possibly we've learned these skills in an unconscious fashion, and we have something of value to share.

 

Our hearts are incomplete in isolation, we are made to thrive through meaningful connection.

 

Wherever you are on your journey of connection, I invite you to join the Huia People adventure, learning how to weave together differences and discover a future that is better than we could create in isolation from each other.

 

May your heart thrive!

 

Rachael Marquet (R.J.)