Mai i tōna whānau mai, e kaukau ana te mangō
The shark is born swimming
I like this whakataukī in the context of competition. It speaks to the nature of those that are born doing what they do. Whether it be tearing it up on the rugby field from day one or smashing plays in a business context.
The idea of learning and excelling from an early age to then continue throughout life is the thinking behind this whakataukī. It isn’t deeply rooted in te Ao Māori but it is still relevant in a competitive landscape that life often is. Although we are one whānau under the korowai of Ranginui there are competitive situations for all of us. Be a shark and swim from day one.