To my precious future grandchildren,

Right now, I am young. However, by the time you read this letter, I will be an elderly woman. Right now, I have so many hopes, desires, and fears for you in the years ahead.

My biggest hope is that you will be happy, healthy and safe. The most important thing is that my grandchildren are happy and well.

Health & Wellbeing

Guard your mind and your wellbeing. I was taught these things by my parents.

Growing up, you will be supported by your ancestors. You will never be alone on your journey. I hope that you will grow up in a world that is kinder and more tolerant.



Climate Change



Right now, I worry for the future, all the grandchildren to come, and the world itself.

The destruction of our world and of our country due to the changing of our environmental landscape is frightening.

We must protect, conserve, and take care of the world. She is our earth mother, Papatūānuku.

Let the environment be filled with fruits and vegetables for everyone to eat. The land has not yet been exhausted by people. As man disappears from sight, the land remains.*

Racism & Discrimination

I hope that you will know the history of New Zealand.



The way I see it, as a Pākehā person, I want to see the minds and attitudes of my people change, and for us to collectively acknowledge and understand the value of te reo and the Māori worldview.



Stop the racism, start the learning and the listening – face to face, all of us included. Amplify the voices of tāngata whenua; never stop pursuing knowledge and learning. Be at peace in the knowledge of the the love that your ancestors have for you.



If we try, maybe one day we can collectively stop racism, discrimination and prejudice.

Te Reo Māori

It is my desire that you will all learn te reo and tikanga Māori. Let te reo Māori be normalised, let it be heard, used and experienced everyday by the people of Aotearoa – Pākehā and mana whenua alike. By everyone! With red and black the work will be complete.**

Don’t let the language die. No matter whether you are Pākehā or Māori – we all have a responsibility to our grandchildren, and they have many things to learn.

Someday, when you are born, I want to be able to speak te reo Māori to all of you.

I want you to embody these four values in everything you do: kotahitanga, whakapono, whakawhanaungatanga, and aroha***.

Do not be afraid. Be strong, be courageous, and be steadfast. You are being guided by your ancestors always.

That concludes my letter, but the wellspring of life will never be diminished or run dry.

Yours sincerely,

Your grandmother