An update from Eddie

Earlier this year, 13-year-old Eddie Te Hōia had the opportunity to visit Rēkohu (Wharekauri/Chatham Islands), for the first time with his dad. Eddie is Moriori and his iwi is Ngati Mutunga. The trip was made possible through the John McLaren Youth Award, which Eddie received in 2025 in recognition of his goals and leadership aspirations. 

Eddie's excitement at stepping onto the land of his ancestors was a powerful experience.

"It didn't feel real at first," Eddie says. "It felt really good. It felt like I was on my own land and my land felt like it was part of me."

During the week, Eddie explored the island, visited important cultural sites, spent time with friends and whānau, went fishing, searched for shark teeth, and learned more about the history of his Moriori and Ngāti Mutunga heritage. A visit to the local museum was a particular highlight, where he discovered photographs and stories connected to his family and people. Eddie also enjoyed seeing places he had heard about throughout his life, including the Tommy Solomon statue and the memorial garden. Visiting these significant sites helped deepen his understanding of his ancestors and their history.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the trip was the strong sense of connection it gave him. Standing in places his karāpuna (ancestors) had lived and walked made him feel closer to his identity and culture.

“I thought a lot about how special it was to be here and I felt my ropuna (ancestor) Nunuku-whenua who was a famous kura (chief) who made ‘Nunuku's Law’, which is about peace.”

Learning more about this history inspired Eddie to think about the values he hopes to carry forward in his own life.  “When I think about who I want to be I think I want to be like Nunuku-whenua”.

Receiving the John McLaren Youth Award helped Eddie strengthen his connection to his heritage and he is grateful for the opportunity to visit Rēkohu. "I feel more connected with my history, and it makes me stand taller," Eddie says. "It makes me want to help others like I was helped, to be with my people and my land. It makes me proud to be Moriori."

The experience has given Eddie a greater sense of identity and belonging, and he hopes to return to Rēkohu again in the future to continue learning about his culture, his people, and the land that has always been part of who he is.

Find out more about the John McLaren Youth Awards.