At Auckland Zoo, caring for animals is more than just a job. This Matariki, staff members have been opening up about their connections to Papatūānuku, the Māori earth mother, revealing how their work intertwines with a deep respect for nature both on and off the clock.
Ben Van de Looveren, who grew up in Dargaville, recalls spending his childhood outdoors. "Our happiest times were by the water or in the bush. They taught me a lot about how to live and survive off the land, respecting nature."
Now, the Zoo's technical services team leader connects with nature whenever he can, even spending the odd night in the bush. He urges others to find opportunities where they can.
"You want to appreciate what we have got in our own backyard and what we're to do to look after it…. take a break by actually going out. Sit down by water anywhere... just soak it all in."
Birdkeeper Ashleigh Steele finds her connection in the Waitākere Ranges while working with kōkako. "It's a very magical feeling to be sitting on your own waiting to hear a bird," she shares.
Ashleigh loves taking her own daughter into the bush. "Seeing it through her eyes is so different. It forces you to stop and take a moment and really appreciate what we have."
Kaitlyn Stone, senior project manager in zoo design and construction, has a personal connection through Māori tradition. She buried her children's whenua (placenta) in the forest near Puhoi, land that she and her whanau have been lovingly reforesting and nurturing for many years. "It's the energy; it's the cycle of life, planting it back into the land," she explains.
These stories reflect the Māori concept of whakapapa, which recognizes the interconnectedness of all living things. This idea guides Auckland Zoo's approach to conservation and guardianship.
Lyndelle Paniora, Auckland Zoo's Kaupapa Māori advisor, explains, "For Māori, it's about whakapapa and our history from creation to today, and the importance of our roles and responsibilities in looking after Papatūānuku. For non-Māori, it's about finding ways to connect with Māori knowledge and understanding the history of the lands."
The zookeepers' stories are powerful reminders of the importance of maintaining our links to nature for environmental conservation, and cultural identity but, just as importantly, our wellbeing.
"Our wellbeing is connected to the land and environment. It's about appreciating and taking time to notice the beauty around us."
This Matariki, Auckland Zoo hopes all Kiwis will take the chance to reflect and renew.
"It's different for everyone how you connect with Papatūānuku,” says Kaitlyn, “but it's up to everyone to find that connection."
This article was created in partnership with Auckland Zoo
