Kalei'okalani First Place 'Ori 'Ori Lympics 2021 'Aparima Competition

Kalei'okalani, 'Urataetae Iti E

I will share this with you someday, my letter to you e tā'u Pēpe. Te 'ā'amu, o tō'u 'apa, 'apa mai na - o tō'u 'Ori. Mai te hōhonura'a o tō'u 'ā'au, mai roto mai i te a'a tūpuna. E pūpū atura te hau. No teie mehura ti'a. Te 'una'una o teie 'ori i 'uraai au!

my 9th competition piece since September, completing a total 7 competitions shared with tā'u Pēpe iti, my growing gift, a new body within my own. And my last competition piece for some time as we prepare to meet our love and to meet myself as a metua vahine.

I couldnt imagine a more fitting hīmene, then, as a parting piece in this chapter of my life: an homage to 'Urataetae Iti E. Atua vahine, patroness of my beloved cultural expression, communication, exchange, and life that has come from my 'ā'au, from the deep roots of my ancestors, where peace gathers within and about me, where it has time and again given me the strength I need to rise and stand firm, that which has long ignited the fires within me that continue to burn brightly.

I want to share with you the strength of women, of 'ori, of ancestors and passion. I want to share with you everything that has given me strength to carry myself across this great stage called life. and I want to learn everything I can from you Pēpe, from your wisdom and fires and divinity.

this is for you. Te Tahua nui e, is yours.

🏆1st place

māuruuru Ishan and 'Ori 'Ori Lympic for the aroha, the dedication and planning, the support and kindness. māuruuru Hinatea Colombani and Mevina Liufau for your 'ite & hīmene, your mana nui e singing to my ā'au & tino! māuruuru to Hinatea and Tahia Cambet for your feedback, workshops, wisdom, and care. māuruuru to all the vahine and tane that graced the stage, for all my Huraiti who have been with me on this journey of self discovery, challenge, and growth whom I will continue to support without end! this journey is only just the beginning.

'Urataetae Iti E, lyrics by Hinatea Colombani & music by Mevina Liufau

Beautiful 'ahu I'm wearing: Marisol Williams