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Former navy diver Rob Hewitt and University of Otago researcher Dr Chanel Phillips collaborate on Māori perspectives for water safety.

The intimate connections Māori have with water

Māori connection with Tangaroa (god of the sea) is deeply spiritual and metaphysical with the sea often considered to be the source and foundation of all life. While Tangaroa is viewed as the source of life, it can also be destructive and the cause of death and havoc. Sadly this is evident in current preventable drowning statistics where Māori are over represented.

With water and the sea figuring prominently from a Māori world view, respect and understanding of Tangaroa and what Tangaroa is capable of, and water safety skills training is paramount for Māori wellbeing and Māori survival in, on and around the water.