An iwi homeland: Country of the heart

We explore the notion of homeland from the perspective of the Māori iwi or nation of Rongomaiwāhine from Māhia Peninsula. The research is drawn from a qualitative study initiated and conducted by the iwi in the period of 2012 to 2013 and sought to identify important iwi mātauranga from iwi members. Included within the research data was the iwi conceptualisation of a homeland, which is discussed through the three themes of connection, community and the tapu of the whenua. The homeland is identified as having a physical, social and spiritual effect on iwi members’ well-being and being fundamental to their cultural identity, purpose and meaning of life.