O Kaitiaki

My linguist friend that is educated in the Māori language has advised me that a better name than Kaitiakitanga for our special place is O Kaitiaki. Already the input from others that I embrace has created a more appropriate name. I told her that being originally from Oklahoma, whose abbreviation is OK, makes this new name feel intermingled appropriate with my past life and present life that feels bestowed rather than obtained. So, O Kaitiaki it will be. The Māori dictionary states that the 'O' without the macron means:

1. (particle) of, belongs to, from, attached to - used with this meaning when the possessor has, or had, no control of the relationship or is subordinant, passive or inferior to what is possessed. This includes actions that are regarded as part of the nature of people or animals

The Māori dictionary states that 'Kaitiaki' means:

1. (noun) trustee, minder, guard, custodian, guardian, caregiver, keeper, steward.

The Māori dictionary states that 'Kaitiakitanga' means:

1. (noun) guardianship, stewardship, trusteeship, trustee.

I feel O Kaitiaki is a better reflection of the type of relationship I intend to hold with this place that will serve as a home for my immediate family but with the understanding that we possess it passively and inferior to the rights of the land and its historical significance for others before us and those yet to come. There are already others called to come and celebrate the joy that is found when we achieve something together rather than individually. O Kaitiaki is not MY place, O Kaitiaki is OUR place through an environmental stance of kaitiakitanga. And, in saying that I will try to remain open and aware to the needs others might have to enjoy this plot of land bordering Lake Forsyth (known to Māori as Te Roto o Wairewa) that currently needs all of us to be better stewards of the environment for the many generations that continue to come. Haere Mai! (Come Here!)