Te Papa trip

Mihi tuatahi ki to Tatau matua nui I te Rangi, nana nei I hanga nga mea katoa, kia whakapainia te inoa o inoa, mihi tua rua e nga mate haere haere haere atu ra.

Kia ora Te Whanau

This month, I would like to share an amazing experience I had recently as part of my te reo studies. We were lucky enough to visit the nga Maori taonga (treasures) at Te Papa that for reasons of safety and/or protocol are kept out of the public exhibitions.

Marcus Sykes is one of the Kaitiaki (care takers) who look after nga Maori taonga (treasures), and it was he who instructed us in the Te Papa Tikanga and kawa rules and regulation before escorting us through the basement rooms.

The first room held the weapons – Tukutuku, Tokotoko, Pau pau, and many other carved taonga. I was amazed by the intricate detail in the carvings. I always knew Maori people were talented and here was living proof of their artistry.

I had the opportunity to hold a Tokotoko (carved speaking walking stick). As soon as I picked it up I felt my body lift up, my shoulders squared, my cheats puffed out and I took on a stance in preparation to perform a whai korero. It almost felt alive, needing to be used with Mana and grace.
Being in this room with these treasured artifacts from the ancient world of the Maori male  made the men in my group feel excited, challenged, on edge, hyped up and the adrenaline rush? Wow what a buzz!
However, as we moved to the room housing the Korowai (cloaks) – the realm of Mana wahine (Women) our mood changed. There was a huge sense of relief, our bodies relaxed. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off our shoulders.

It was clear to us all that the passion and feeling that our ancestors put into the making and use of these taonga still exists within them today.  To have the opportunity to experience the power and awesome beauty of the treasures was humbling and a reminder of how important it is to keep Maori culture alive and available to all. 

If you would like to find out about what’s going-on at Hau Ariki Marae, contact us at hawkinsgr@xtra.co.nz

We are still looking for people who want to learn Te Reo please contact me via email
Na Naku
Greg Hawkins
Chairman Hau Ariki Marae