Media Release: for immediate release- 13.10.14

International Forum on Water

The Waitaha Water Gathering happens once every 50 years, always behind closed doors. Elders of the Waitaha Nation of Aotearoa meet, speak and record significant weather and water stories. The last Gathering was in 1964 at Waitangi.

2014 marks an historic occasion. The Waitaha Nation feel it is time to 'open the doors' and share this event with others.

Over three days, Representatives from the Waitaha Nation, national and international guest speakers will present at the Waitaha Conference Centre in Waitangi.

The state of the Waters of New Zealand over the past 50 years will be addressed in the tradition of Waitaha and records will be drawn up to help inform the next 50 years.

There are many aspects of the water systems in New Zealand and internationally that will be covered. Fumihiro Hoshino is a Mountain Priest from Japan. He will bring ancient Shugendo teachings and a Japanese perspective. Hoshino says, 'I realize that it's impossible to truly be able to return to the ancient Japanese worldview. What I am aiming for instead is a "new return" to what is a natural way of being in the world. To make this possible is the task at hand for us now.' Hoshino is the master of the world-renowned Masaru Emoto, author of Messages from Water.

The guest speaker list also includes the Australian sustainability expert and author, Matali (Water Eagle) and global water expert, Steven Prowse.

The remainder of the Gathering will be in ceremony, story sharing and journeys to sacred sites in the top of the North Island, made to conclude the Water Records for this 50 year Gathering.

If you cannot attend but wish to support the delivery of these records and official papers we welcome any and all donations and these can be made here- http://www.parapachamama.org/apps/donations/.

The records that will be created as per the traditional customary practice of the Nation will be made available to the public upon completion of this 50 year Gathering.

ENDS

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