Relating: Storying Atmosphere of Place

Floating, bubbling, vibrant, turquoise, reviving, playful, blue, speedy, hopping, gorgeous, overgrown, muddy, green, shiny, soft, spluttering, cooling, healing, replenishing, life-giving, magically beautiful; a spritzy, energetic feel, a playful, laughing sensation, mossy smell, fresh taste—this is the atmosphere of the upper Te Awa o Te Atua. This story focuses on how the river and its landscape are actors interrelating with us. Interacting, connecting and communicating with nature, a walk along this river becomes a mix of visual, sensual, kinaesthetic, tactile and emotional experience. In this chapter, it is questioned whether the intermingling between self and nature is a purely organic matter that can be accessed by just anyone. Instead, questions of belonging and relating are tied in this discussion, highlighting the intrinsic relationality of tangata whenua genealogy that intertwines humans and more-than-humans.