Pounamu - A Few Facts

Contemporary jade, Christchurch Arts Centre Market. Jan. 2009. Ajr

To most New Zealanders it’s greenstone. To the Maori it is pounamu. To the geologists it is nephrite, or jade. To tourists it is one of the most sought-after iconic souvenirs of New Zealand. But ‘greenstone’ is much more than a souvenir. From China to Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Middle East and New Zealand, jade has been revered for thousands of years. It has been endowed with symbolic status and mystical power, and treasured for its beauty, its sensual hues, diversity of color, its smooth touch and its extreme toughness. The New Zealand jade story is shorter than most – less than 1000 years – but early Maori valued it above all other possessions. Like the Chinese and the Mayans long before them, they treasured it more than gold. It provided them with a totally stone-based culture, which they developed to a high technical and aesthetic level in a relatively short time. Pounamu served them as tool, weapon, adornment, an item of trade and a symbol of authority and ceremony.

Traditional Maori Hei tiki at Okains Bay Museum, BanksPeninuslar. Ajr For Maori it was a gift from the gods of great spiritual and material value and archaelogical digs suggest they used nephrite as far back as the 13th century. Its use was well established by 1500 and between then and 1800 it was a key element of everyday life, the pivot of power between tribes and a major item of trade.The Maori continue to revere pounamu for its symbolic, mythological and aesthetic properties, and despite mass souvenir production, it retains a treasured place in Maori culture. If you are interested in Maori culture please click on my other blog http://maorilifestyles.blogspot.com for much more.

Digging Up History

Pegasus, North Canterbury. 2008 & 2009 Ajr

When I flew out of Christchurch recently, I had a clear view of the new North Canterbury town of Pegasus, 25 kilometres north of Christchurch. Viewed from the air it seems little more than an excavation site and I think the first residents have only just moved into their new house. There is a long way to go for the rest of the town, which will include hotels, shopping complexes, golf course, lakes, a yacht club and homes for 7,000 residents. In the meantime, much has been going on at ground level. Because of the town’s proximity to the old Kaiapoi Maori pa, home of the Nga Tu-ahu-riri hapu (sub-tribe of Ngai Tahu), the town’s developers, Infinity Investment Group agreed to work with a team of archaeologists and tribal representatives to ensure that any artefacts unearthed are treated appropriately. A significant number of Maori artefacts have been unearthed, including greenstone adzes, the remnants of a waka (canoe) and an ancient pou (carved post), which is believed to have been part of the old pa’s palisade defences, which were breached by fire in the 1830s. The plan is to house these and other significant cultural items in a whare taonga (cultural centre) to be built at Pegasus.

Pegasus, North Canterbury Jan 2009. Ajr

The rich historical significance of the Pegasus site has also been acknowledged in the placement of six new carved pou whenua, which make a bold statement at the entrance to the town. Carved by Fayne Robinson, Riki Manuel and Caine Tauwhare, who collectively have more than 75 years carving experience, the pou took eight months to complete. They’ve been carved from wind-felled totara logs from Okiwi Valley just north of Kaikoura and gifted by Te Runanga o Kaikoura on behalf of the people of Ngati Kuri. www.pegasustown.com If you are interested in Maori Culture please click on my other blog http://maorilifestyles.blogspot.com for much more.

Maori Cultural Centre

Christchurch. Jan 2009. Ajr

I was out biking the other day and found myself outside Nga Hau E Whau National Marae, a multi-tribal, multi-cultural marae that was built in Christchurch in the 1980s on land gifted by the Christchurch City Council. It’s the only marae in New Zealand that was founded as a meeting place for all the peoples of New Zealand regardless of tribal affiliations, race, religion or geography. It operates as a place of culture, education and entertainment and frequently welcomes visitors and tourists, who can watch Maori weavers and wood carvers at work. I love the Marae buildings here but as the complex was closed when I stopped by, I photographed this rather impressive front gate instead. The prominent lintel over the gateway is called Te Amorangi. The two top carved human figures are of Governor William Hobson (the Queen’s representative) and a Maori Rangatira (chief), who represents the three Ngai Tahu chiefs who signed the Treaty of Waitangi. Both represent the coming together of Maori and Pakeha (Europeans) at the Marae. If you are interested in Maori culture please click on my other blog http://maorilifestyles.blogspot.com for much more.

Carving A Living

Maori Carvings

On Sale

At The Cathedral Square Market

Christchurch

Jan 2009. Ajr

Traditional Food Gathering

Eel Catching, Waihao marae. Nov. 2008. Ajr

Last week when I was down at Waihao Marae, near the coast just south of Waimate, I managed to get this photograph (right) of a traditional Hinaki - or eel pot. These were usually made from mangemange, a climbing vine. The eels would swim into the narrowing ‘tunnel’ of the hinaki and not be able to get out again. Eel – members of the Anguillidae family and known as tuna to Maori – live in streams and lakes and form an important part of traditional Maori diet. The one shown in the left photograph, ended up as part of our lunch – served as a garnish for a very tasty tomato soup.

Marae Interior

Waihao marae, Waimate. Nov. 2008. Ajr

The Waihao Marae sits in a field on a quiet gravel road south of Waimate.

It's just two kilometres from a dramatic stony coastline (see whitebaiters below), where locals gather the sea's rich bounty. It doubles as the local community War Memorial Hall - for both Maori and Pakeha. This is the back interior wall, where old photos of war time soldiers are displayed along with two traditional piupiu (skirts)

Maori Marae

Arowhenua Marae, Temuka. Nov. 2008 Ajr

A few weeks ago, I drove south to the little town of Temuka. Just south of there is the Arowhenua Marae. This is it - a very cute building that overlooks a swampy landscape.

The South Island's Ngai Tahu iwi (tribe) has eighteen runanga, which operate from individual marae. I have just three left to visit. www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz

Contemporary Kai

The Waihao Lunch. Nov. 2008. Ajr

Kai is the Maori word for food; Ngai Tahu is the major South Island Maori tribe (iwi). Put the two together and you come up with Jason Dell, Ngai Tahu executive chef at Blanket Bay, who yesterday whipped up a culinary treat for us at Waihao Marae, south-east of Waimate, three hours south of Christchurch. Using the traditional foods of marae –eel (tuna), flounder (patiki), yellow-eyed mullet (aua) and sea-run trout – Jason prepared a lavish lunch for the marae kaumatua (elders). We started with tomato soup with Waldorf salad and eel (top left and bottom right); then raised our forks for sea-run trout set on a polenta cake and lobster ravioli (top right); finishing with fresh bread, baked flounder and baked mullet stuffed with pickled mussels, tomato and an assortment of herbs (bottom left). Not a bad way to spend a sunny day in the south. For more information on Jason Dell put Meet the People - 4 into the blog search box above left. www.ngaitahu.iwi.nz

Did You Know.....

• That Sophora Microphyllais is the most common of the 8 species of NZ Kowhai?
• That it is the national flower of New Zealand?
• That the tree - especially the seeds - are poisonous?
• That according to Maori lore, the spring flowering marks the time for planting kumera (sweet potato)?

Maori Tradition Meets Modern Technology

Images Photographed from Aho Creations brochure, Ngai Tahu.

I always get excited when someone comes up with an exciting new – and totally unique - New Zealand product. So its three cheers for Ngai Tahu, the South Island’s largest Maori tribe and their development of their fabulous Aho brand, which has kicked off with a range of beautiful wool and possum fur shawls and scarves. What makes them all the more special is that they feature motifs by recognised Maori artist, Ross Hemera, based on the ancient Maori rock art drawings found in several locations around the South Island. (These sites are under the protection of the Ngai Tahu Maori Rock Art Trust). Combining the innovation of leading edge textile technology with ancient imagery and cultural values, this is a range to watch. www.ahocreations.com

A New Twist on Maori Food

Food by Charles Royal. Photo supplied.

Maori chef, Charles Royal is big on giving Maori food a contemporary twist and you can pick his brains if you indulge yourself in a Wild Food & Wine Retreat at Rotorua’s luxurious Treetops Lodge and Wilderness Estate – a divine retreat set in an 800-year-old virgin forest. Book Charles in advance and he’ll take you on a Maori indigenous food trail around the estate and you’ll sample kawakawa tea and damper bread with flaxseed and pikopiko pesto. Charles has created his own brand of wild herbs - Kinaki – and they’re put to good use in the Treetops kitchens. Check out www.maorifood.com for more information on Charles and the Kinaki range

Weaving Stories

Flax kete. 2007-2008. Ajr The traditional Maori woven flax basket – kete harakeke – is more than just a craft. Weaving of any sort is full of symbolism and meaning for Maori and from the simple food basket to the elaborately-decorated woven feather cloak, it is imbued with spiritual value. The kete is perhaps the most common form of Maori weaving present in contemporary culture and it finds expression as both an art form exhibited in galleries and as a purely utilitarian article. A kete may be used as a general carry-all or it may be sold as a tourist souvenir. Either way, they’re as diverse and as colourful as the people who make and use them.

Knock Knock Who's There?

Okains Bay. 2008. Ajr

Loved this brass hei tiki door knocker at the Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum on Banks Peninsular. It was on a side door at the rear of the museum - the perffect adornment for a door leading in to one of the most impressive collections of Maori artifacts I've ever seen.

When 'Kiwi' Isn't Kiwi At All

I’ve just received an American press release that highlights the Kiwi Collection – a source of luxury accommodation in “obscure places.” As a New Zealander – or a Kiwi, to use the informal terminology – my chest puffed out with pride and I decided to log on to see who was behind this brainchild. Turns out Head Office is in Vancouver, Canada and while there is an office in Sydney, Australia, any other links to New Zealand appear to be tenuous. Admittedly they have 20 or so New Zealand properties listed but that’s about it. In discussing the company on their website, the President, Philippe Kjellgren, has this to say about the use of the word ‘Kiwi’ in the company title: “Why the Kiwi in Kiwi Collection? KIWI IS A RELATIVELY NEW WORD. It is pronounced the same in almost every major language………. And like the kiwifruit, the company tries to be fresh and full of flavour in everything it does. After all, every journey in life should be a rich, rare and succulent experience, so enjoy your travels.” MMMMMmmmmmm …well, I suppose it depends by what you mean by “relatively new.” In my head ‘Kiwi’ is a Maori word, hundreds of years old. But perhaps we're supposed to be flattered (in some obscure way) that someone in big old Canada wants to use our words (in this way). www.kiwicollection.com

Ta Moko

I’ve been going through my Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum photos again and found this one (right) referencing the art of Maori moko or tattoo. Traditionally, men were tattooed much more heavily than women, who mainly tattooed their lips (kauae) and their chins. There’s been a strong resurgence of interest in moko among both men and women keen to acknowledge their Maori heritage – and many are also choosing to be tattooed the traditional way using uhi or chisels, rather than with modern tools.

Speaking of bags.....

Traditional Kete, Okains Bay, March 2008, Ajr

.........I am reminded of the wonderful displays of traditional Maori kete I saw at Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum last month. Kete is the Maori word for a basket made from the dried leaves of New Zealand flax (Mahi harakeke). They were used for carrying food, belongings and treasures (taonga) and were made in a wide variety of intricate designs, patterns and colours. This is one of the best small rural museums in New Zealand

The Art of Maori Tattoo

There’s been a resurgence of the art of Ta Moko (tattoo) as Maori seek to reclaim their heritage and cultural traditions. Every tattoo is customised to reflect an individual’s own beliefs, ancestry and spirituality. Sharon Henderson of Okains Bay thought long and hard about the sort of tattoo she wanted and she sought out one of our best Ta Moko artists to do it. Te Rangitu Netana, now living in Kerikeri is famous for having custom designed tattoos for British rock star, Robbie Williams. Sharon's decision paid off. She not only ended up with this beautiful, delicate, highly personalised work on her arm – which includes reference to her family’s whaling ancestry – she also won Best Female Ta Moko at the 2008 South Island Tattoo Show recently. If you are interested in Maori culture and Maori Tattoo, please click on my other blog http://maorilifestyles.blogspot.com/ and put Tattoo into the blog search box top left of home page.

The Best Little Small Museum Ever!

Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum April 2008 Ajr If you go down to the bay today, you’re in for a big surprise…..Okains Bay Maori & Colonial Museum is a thing of beauty and wonder – one man’s passion for collecting taken to extremes. Murray Thacker is the man behind it all. When his collection bulged out of his home garage, he bought the old cheese factory building (in 1968) and relocated the astonishing array of exhibits he had collected over many decades. In 1977 it was made a public museum and today it gets around 6,000 visitors a year – which is quite remarkable in itself when you consider how ‘off the beaten track’ Okains Bay is. I spent ages here, totally captivated by the gathered histories of Maori and Pakeha alike. The Maori meeting house shown above (top; interior and exterior) was built observing all Maori traditions, using original materials from other meeting houses. Most of the carving was done by well known master carver, John Rua. The main Maori artefact museum houses many treasures, including a sacred god stick dating back to 1400, a war canoe from 1867 and a valuable Akaroa hei tiki recovered in England and brought back to Okains Bay by the museum’s founder. An amazing treasure trove – expect more photos in the coming days.

Artist Studio 1

Jane Zusters' in studio, Christchurch 2007. AJR

Christchurch artist, Jane Zusters with some of the props she created in her role as Art Director for Waka Reo III in 2006-2007. The Waka Reo (Canoe of Knowledge) series, which follows the hardships and rewards of twelve strangers learning the Maori language on a marae, is now screening on Maori Television. http://www.maoritelevision.com/. Jane is currently working on a book project which documents her work in the South Island over the last four years.