Here's a breakdown of its significance:
* A Place of Belonging: It represents a place where someone feels connected, rooted, and at home. This could be a physical place, like a village or ancestral land, but it can also be a community, a family, or even a cultural tradition.
* A Place of Identity: It embodies the sense of who you are and where you come from. It's a place that defines your identity, your values, and your purpose.
* A Place of Power and Authority: It implies a sense of ownership, responsibility, and authority over a place or space. It represents a right to be there, to participate in its activities, and to contribute to its future.
In essence, "tūrangawaewae" is a complex and multifaceted concept that represents the deep connection between a person and their place in the world.
Here are some examples of how it is used:
* "My tūrangawaewae is in the Bay of Plenty": This means the speaker feels a strong connection to the Bay of Plenty region, and it is a place that defines their identity.
* "The marae is our tūrangawaewae": This means the marae (traditional meeting place) is a place of belonging, power, and identity for the people who are connected to it.
It's important to note that "tūrangawaewae" is not simply a physical place. It's about the emotional and spiritual connection that a person has to a place and its people.