Come, mokopuna (grandchild), and look at this old photo with me. This place, Ruawai Wharf, holds many stories of our people. Long ago, our ancestors lived by the rhythm of the river. The Northern Wairoa River was our lifeline, providing fish and a way to trade with distant lands. I remember the days when the wharf was alive with activity. Boats would come and go, carrying kauri gum and kumara, the fruits of our hard work. Our people faced many challenges, from the tough work of gum digging to the transformation of the swampy land into fertile fields. But we were resilient, always finding a way to thrive. The river was more than just water; it was a part of us. It carried our hopes, dreams, and sometimes our sorrows. Though much has changed, the spirit of those days lives on in our hearts. Remember, mokopuna, our history is a part of who we are.