Kāwhia Kaumātua Daisy Horahaere Scott Reflects on a Lifetime of Connection to Whenua and Moana

Kāwhia resident Daisy Horahaere Scott has shared a lifetime of observations regarding the cultural and environmental evolution of one of Waikato’s most significant coastal settlements. Speaking with Dale Husband on Radio Waatea on 27 October 2026, Scott, a trustee for the Onepu Charitable Trust, reflected on her upbringing in a community where whakapapa, history, and the natural world remain deeply intertwined. Having been born and raised in Kāwhia, Scott has witnessed decades of shift along the coastline. She described a life centered around the local marae, which she identifies as the essential social and cultural foundation for the community. For Scott, the marae is more than just a structure; it is a place for practicing tikanga, making collective decisions, and ensuring that ancestral knowledge is passed down to tamariki and mokopuna. As a coastal community, Kāwhia is currently navigating modern challenges including climate change, coastal erosion, and the need for updated infrastructure. Scott noted that for whānau with long-standing connections to the whenua, these environmental changes have practical and cultural consequences, potentially affecting access to customary kai gathering sites and historical locations. She emphasized that the voices of kaumātua are vital in recognizing these emerging environmental patterns and determining what must be protected for future generations. The discussion highlighted the ongoing importance of maintaining access to the coastline and the harbour to sustain the relationship between the people and the moana. Scott’s reflections serve as a reminder of the resilience of small Māori communities and the necessity of balancing modern needs with the preservation of cultural heritage. As Kāwhia looks to the future, Scott remains focused on ensuring the younger generation stays connected to their ancestral home and the traditions that define the region.