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

Martygirl Natural Skin Food

A small range of pure and natural ‘skin food’, Martygirl Natural, produced by Adi McMaster in Martinborough from local natural ingredients, is currently being released.

A chef by trade, Adi has an instinctive understanding of kitchen chemistry. Her interest in skincare grew from the idea of ‘cooking up’ beautiful food, but without the calories – hence ‘skin food’. Many of Adi’s family and friends have received ‘Torawoman Dragonsblood Bodybutta’ or ‘Pirinoa Goddess Ultimate Face Drench’ as presents.  So far the reviews have all been favourable.

Adi’s daughter Sarah, a qualified Beauty Therapist, recently returned from working overseas to opened up shop at D’Vine. When considering skincare products for use in her business the possibility of Adi producing a range made from natural local ingredients was conceived.

Eventually agreeing to make such a range for Sarah, Adi went into a flurry of research, both theoretical and experimental along with enrolling in a Natural Skincare Workshop (run by the Herb Farm, world famous in NZ).

‘MartyWoman’ the ultimate face oil is one of the brews which Sarah is now using for facials – made from Tamanu oil, jojoba wax, rosehip-infused Olivo oil, avocado oil, and Hauiti lavender oil. It is also scented with tangerines and ylang ylang. All gorgeous natural therapeutic ingredients! Try one – book with Sarah through D’Vine. 

All the natural brews are available at D’Vine, or the Olivo Oil Shop on Hinakura Road and from Amanda at the Wine Centre.

Adi is happy to come to your place and let you and your friends dip and smear to your hearts’ content. Call Adi, on 027 482 2220.
Adi’s not a fan of animal testing, all brews have been tested on friends and family, who she thanks for their unfailing support – not to mention courage.  

A busy time at the Town Hall

Madcaps’ bi annual production will be  on stage on Wednesday 15th, 16th, 17th & 18th August.

Jazz Festival  The annual Jazz in Martinborough will be held between Thursday 30th August to Sunday 2nd September. See lift out in this paper for details.

100 Year recognition. The unveiling of a plaque to mark the hall’s centenary will be held on Sunday 16th September, along with celebrations of the event.

Golf Club News

The Grumpy’s were a happy bunch enjoying a great night of food and fun. Who are those three shy one’s a the front?

The Grumpy’s (pictured) have had their night out and all who went had a real good time. The food was great and the music provided by ‘DJ’ Graham Jacobson was brilliant. They didn’t drink all of the jug count so that will keep till the next social they have.

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