* To embrace, hug, or hold close: This is the most literal meaning of awhi, and it refers to the physical act of embracing someone. It can also be used figuratively to describe the feeling of being welcomed and accepted.
* To shelter, protect, or nurture: Awhi can also mean to provide a safe space for someone, both physically and emotionally. This can be a parent caring for a child, a community supporting a member in need, or even the land providing sustenance.
* To love, cherish, or care for: Awhi can express a deep sense of love and affection, encompassing the desire to protect and nurture someone or something.
* To help, support, or assist: Awhi can also mean to offer practical help and support to someone in need.
In essence, awhi encapsulates a powerful and multifaceted concept that emphasizes the importance of connection, care, and support within Māori culture. It is a word that speaks to the interconnectedness of individuals within a community and the responsibility we have to each other.