I acknowledge Ranginui who is above me, Papatuanuku who lies beneath me
Let this be my commitment to all!
Draw together! Affirm!
(Translation and spelling found on University of Otago website)
The Maori tradition of saying grace to bless the food is related to their religious beliefs. This act can also bring communities together. Other karakia are used in starting and finishing an (important) event. Although these sayings can be translated into English, it is important to use them in the original language, too, where you can experience the beautiful imagery and use of metaphors specific to Maori culture. Translating karakia into English risks losing the poetic rhythms of the original language.
The version I learned addresses where the food comes from. Specifically, food comes from forests, gardens, the sea and the fresh waters - all of which environments are addressed in the grace. This fact directly relates back to the environment: for their people to connect and be thankful for where the food came from.
