I am going to end this week long celebration of Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori/Māori Language Week 2021 with Toroa, the name for most Albatross. They are the most impressive of all pelagic birds and Toroa encompasses lesser as well a greater albatross.

It is always exciting to see the first albatross when departing shore but the grandeur is only fully clear when a Royal or Wandering Albatross appears, dwarfing any other species. If any creature can encapsulate the concept of freedom it must one of the large albatross in total command and seemingly relishing, conditions we would be grateful to survive. They leave me in awed, excited envy every time I see one – instant access to my inner child.