Te Wai, Tama and the Moon

LINDA TUHIWAI SMITH:

Te Wai’s mum is seriously ill, and Tama’s mum struggles to make ends meet, but Te Wai’s got a big imagination and is determined to make the day better. The friends plan a trip to the moon, and they wait at the bus stop for the spaceship. Each time the bus arrives, someone they know gets off, and they share something to eat with the children while they wait, and Tama and Te Wai help them with the steps and heavy bags. That evening, Aunty Cherrie takes them in her little red ‘spaceship’ car to look at the stars and tells them how people’s spirits become stars when they die. Te Wai understands this will not be long for her mum. Some days later, her tangi takes place, and Te Wai is surrounded by the caring support of her whānau, her community and Tama.

Linda (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Porou) is Distinguished Professor at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. She is a leading scholar and researcher in indigenous studies, indigenous education and kaupapa Māori research and has written many publications in this area. She was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2013 for her services to Māori and education.