First Breath

Moving Image & Photographic Stills, 2016

In the Māori tradition, introductions often take the form of Pepeha (which is literally translated as 'First Breath').

Pepeha is more than just an introduction though, it gives insight into the questions "Who am I?" and "Where did I come from?" Pepeha serves as an acknowledgment of our connections to our ancestors and to the world. Pepeha is a reminder that we do not stand as individuals, but as a collective.

*My father and I at the summit of Rangitoto Island. [Found Image]*

"Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini."

My strength does not come from my individuality; my strength comes from many.

My father at his childhood home which lies in the shadow of the Magaliesberg Mountains. [Found Image] — *My father at his childhood home which lies in the shadow of the Magaliesberg Mountains.* *[Found Image]*

My mother at Orient Beach, the beach her family visited every holiday as she was growing up. [Found Image] — *My mother at Orient Beach, the beach her family visited every holiday as she was growing up. [Found Image]*