"Wahine Maori are accomplished and committed. I'm always astounded by what our women juggle in their lives - just an absolute determination to serve. And from serving comes wisdom."
Kamo has co-written a book with astronomer Professor Rangi Mataamua, Matariki Around The World: A Cluster Of Stars, A Cluster Of Stories. The book explores New Year traditions from various indigenous cultures and the importance of the star cluster.
Her first book, The Stolen Stars of Matariki, was published in 2018 and is about the importance of Matariki and handing down knowledge.
"It was a way of connecting and celebrating our traditions and stories as a people. The cool thing was that it was the first time I'd really delved into what Matariki was, in any depth. It's the most wonderful, soul-filling, mātauranga - a map for how to live our lives and the perfect framework within which to practice our tikanga today."
She says it's important for Māori to tell our own stories from our cultural perspective.
"It's what will help lift and reconnect those of our people who are being left behind. It will also serve to lift the entire country. We as a people, and our knowledge, is an anchor for this country. Once we all engage, understand the cause for pride, and practice our mātauranga daily, I have no doubt our prison populations will begin to reduce, our children will thrive and the environment will respond."
Kamo is an advocate for living an environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle, which are important themes that are highlighted during Matariki.
"I love our planet, we are so lucky to be here. The Taiao hosts us, not the other way around, and we forget that at our peril. If we want to create a generational legacy that protects our people, it's up to us to respond to the messages we're clearly being sent by the planet. And I get so much joy at living life this way."
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