Youth voice – Cherishing your roots

As summer holidays roll on, road trips and the joy of cruising with music filling the air become a memorable part of the summer journey. During a recent trip up north, the captivating tunes of Six60’s Don’t Forget Your Roots Kia Mau Ki To Ukaipo added a special touch to the adventure, resonating a bit of appreciation for the roots of my family tree. 

The impact of this Kiwi hit song lingered, showing itself unexpectedly during a family dinner at a quaint Italian restaurant up north. The seemingly overpriced menu prompted a choice that spoke volumes about roots and values. A relative, hailing from Scottish lineage, opted for just a humble $6 focaccia bread, explaining that he couldn’t bring himself to pay for anything he deemed overpriced – a sentiment deeply rooted in the stories of close relatives who migrated from Scotland to NZ in pursuit of a better life. A family so poor that at Christmas time they used peas as a substitute for sweets! 

In Māori culture, the concept of Whakapapa plays a significant role, allowing individuals to establish their place in the world by understanding their genealogies and ancestral stories. It is “a deep connection to land and the roots of one’s ancestry”, forming the foundation of meaning for people. 

Ultimately, we all have stories to tell. Stories that shape us and inspire us. The modest focaccia bread not only sparked a conversation about frugality but also invoked a profound appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices of my Scottish/Irish family in the 1950s. Their journey from relative poverty to a new life in NZ reflects the resilience and bravery required to seek out new opportunities. 

Such reflections lead to gratitude for life on the Coast – memories of summer on the beaches and doing life together in this community play a role in the stories that we are blessed to collectively share. 

For young people, in a society often fixated on the present and the future, there’s a valuable lesson in taking a step back to draw wisdom from the past. The recent loss of my dear grandfather highlighted the importance of asking questions and embracing the stories of those who paved the way before us. 

As we navigate a world focused on immediate gratification, let’s not forget the strength and wisdom embedded in the stories of our forebears. By embracing our roots, we can find a deeper sense of belonging, appreciation for the journey that has shaped us and guidance for how we live our lives today.