Papatūānuku (our earth mother) is Breathing

A peaceful video exploring New Zealand's largest city during coronavirus lockdown has gone viral.

Papatūānuku is breathing, produced by Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), is voiced by 11-year-old Manawanui Makiapoto Mills and begins by panning across Muriwai on Auckland's west coast.

"Stop. Listen. Papatūānuku, the earth mother is breathing. Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is still," Mills says.

"Our maunga, our mountains standing strong. Our moana, our ocean now louder than ever. Our tūī, our kererū, now need not fight with the daily hum of our busy lifestyles," Mills continues.

"Our people's waiata, normally loud and joyful, now soft and distant. Waiting for the right time to rise again."

Within just days of its release on social media, the video has amassed over half a million views and generated the most engagement for ATEED.

It has been viewed by not only New Zealanders, but by people in Australia, the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

It has even been translated into French and Spanish by "inspired viewers".

The video was made to create a connection and message that reflects the region's unique Māori culture while using existing Auckland footage, ATEED said.

General manager for destination, Steve Armitage, said the video's message was designed to be simple.

"This is a time of rest, take a moment to appreciate the stillness and the beauty of our region.
Stop. Listen.
Papatūānuku… the earth mother is breathing.
Tāmaki Makaurau. Auckland. Still.
Our maunga... our mountains… standing strong
Our moana… our ocean now louder than ever
Our tui and our kereru.. now need not fight with the daily hum of our busy lifestyles.
Our peoples waiata normally loud and joyful.. now soft and distant…waiting for the right time to rise again
Our land renewing. Replenishing. Ready for your return.
And our kai. Our food. Preparing to nourish.
Enjoy time with your whanau. Your families. Your loved ones… and soon we’ll unite again.
Noho Tawhiti, Tū Kotahi
Sit at a distance… stand as one.
We, our land, our waters, our people…we aren’t going anywhere.
Dream.. plan…
And when the time is right, we welcome you… but for now, listen.
Papatūānuku is breathing.