In 2017, the global Ethno Movement made its way to New Zealand, led by a dedicated group of creative change-makers, guided by George Te Aroha Kahi (Tumanako). With pre-established global connections, we embarked on a journey to solidify our ties with the founders of Ethno, Ethno Sweden. This marked the first time that Aotearoa was represented at Ethno Sweden.

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Whetu-Marama Rikihana, Isaac Kirkwood-Smith, and Jeremy Hantler traveled to Scandinavia to participate in the world's oldest and largest Ethno camp, joining approximately 100 participants from across the globe. They shared their music and absorbed wisdom from others. This incredible exchange became possible due to the generosity of Ethno Sweden, which sponsored the flights and accommodations for all three participants.

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When the concept of Ethno was introduced to New Zealand in collaboration with Māori, particularly those connected to the land where our first Ethno event was held, an idea emerged to symbolise this exchange of energy with a mauri stone.

 

Whetumarama Rikihana-Kaihoro from Ngati Poua was selected to ensure that this exchange was conducted with utmost respect during the 2017 exchange.

 

The concept was born from Te Rangi Kaihoro's inspiration, with support from Lorna Rikihana and George Te Kahi, as well as our own young organization at that time.

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What is Mauri

Mauri is the belief that all objects can contain life force to varying degrees, particularly stones, which can traverse generations unaltered. "Mau" signifies holding, while "ri" conveys the unseen or hidden aspects. Therefore, the intangible principles, aspirations, and whakapapa (genealogy) of Ethno itself passing to New Zealand became tangible through the presence of a physical reminder in the form of a stone. In my personal interpretation, mauri grows as more significant stories (kōrero) become attached to an object.

 

Passing taonga (treasures) between hands in a mindful way enriches the object's history, reverence, and mauri.

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What stone was used and why

The chosen stone, Onewa from Kaiaua, held significance for three reasons:

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1. It was a locally sourced resource for the Ngati Poua people, with whom we were exchanging ideas, and who were graciously hosting the first Ethno event on Waiheke Island.

2. Onewa is durable, resonant, and prized for its use in crafting toki (adzes), patu (weapons), and various other valuable implements in a neolithic culture. Before the discovery of greenstone and steel in New Zealand, and for some time after, Kaiaua was renowned for its high-quality onewa.

3. In both tribal knowledge and Western ornithological study, this stone is gathered in the beak of the kuaka (bar-tailed godwit) bird during its migratory journey to and from Siberia. It is believed that the high levels of lithium and other trace elements assist the bird with its migration. These stones are dropped on the beach upon landing, and a suitable replacement is gathered before departure. What better stone to journey to Sweden?

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Tuku Atu, Tuku Mai (Reciprocity)

When Ethno Sweden chose to exchange a stone of equal value, it symbolized mutual respect. The stone, now known as the 'Ethno NZ Mauri Stone,' is made from Dalarna stone, sourced from the region of the same name where Ethno Sweden currently takes place. This prized stone for carving, with its distinctive pink color, has been used for trophies and more. When we pass the Ethno Mauri stone around each year, we acknowledge that Ethno is an international kaupapa (concept) from Sweden, entrusted to us to plant, nurture, and grow in New Zealand.

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