Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua
I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past
This whakataukī acknowledges a Māori perspective of time, where the past, present and future are intertwined. The past is central to and shapes both our present and future identity. From this, we carry our past into our future.
The strength of carrying one’s past into the future is that our ancestors, supporters, beliefs and values are ever present and act as guides as we face life’s challenges.