Marie stands here on the cliff tops of her Great Great Grandfathers farm. Knowing where she is from fills her with a deep sense of place or tūrangawaewae (knowing where she stands). Understanding her personal and national history informs her unique worldview. From this arises a deep love of this unique place in the world, Akaroa, a place of immense history, incredible beauty and natural quiet. From this love spills forth a profound guardianship or kaitiakitanga.

With seven generations behind her, she is in a unique position to tell the story of the incredible ecological history, the prehistoric abundance that was Te Pataka o Rakaihautū – The Storehouse of Rakaihautū. The destruction of the natural landscape and loss of 99% of the forest. And now to share a clear vision for the future, for the Next Seven Generations.

Marie is part of the Change Generation, part of the world that is on a tipping point between the old destruction and the new regeneration of natural systems. On her OWN land she is regenerating the soils, the forest, the streams and the natural quiet. But she sees herself as being only a small part of a much larger world movement that is to be celebrated – the first time in human history when Homo sapiens is looking past it’s own self interests to protect the natural world on a global scale. We are only just beginning, but every great movement starts with the smallest steps, and we have begun.

Let her share her inspirational story with you. She has a clear voice if you are ready to hear.

Be the change you wish you see in the world.

Guandi