An important truth about us hit me between the eyes the other day. We like what we do to have meaning. Meaning for us and meaning for our clients. There has to be a reason for what we do. We like to connect our clients to this country, and a meaningful connection is always much more enjoyable than mindless self-indulgence. For example, walking a river with an experienced fly fisherman gives meaning to the environment. Or tasting wines with a master winemaker, driving over a high country station with the farm manager, and so on.
When I went to Sao Paulo 10 days ago to support the launch of the outbound division of Matuete it was suggested we would like to give something away to the important gathering of high net worth individuals we were to attend. The meaningful answer became obvious - a carving bringing together the power of Ahipara, of our favourite master carver and an invitation extended to Brazil. I leave the rest of the words to Master Carver, Delanie Brown. We were delighted with this personal and very high quality link which we established between countries, organisations and people.
Ta Moko (Facial Tattoos) is the visual scarification
used by the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). It would symbolically contain a person’s
identity, tribal status and genealogy. A
mask of this kind would usually appear on the front of a Waka Taua(War Canoe).
It was carved to spiritually give safe passage to whomever is voyaging. The expression upon the face of this Toa (Warrior
Mask) acknowledges the greatest tool used by the Maori people. Prayer. This Taonga (Carved Relic) has been carved
from a 2000year old piece of Kauri. The Kauri tree is prominent only in the
northern region of Aotearoa. It is of
ancient origin. Ahipara Travel offers a
personal and heartfelt experience with the Maori people, their culture and
their spirit.
" To me Whakairo(carving) is a journey of the past
the present and the future.
Through prayer I am able to call upon my ancestors, sit with, feel and ask of
them to possess me so that I can create, share and collaborate with the
ancestors of whom ever wishes to commission a piece. So that the messages of their ancestors are placed into a physical form of
beauty and preserved into their hearts. Whakairo is a vessel that preserves
story, genealogy and message. I believe God has gifted the treasure of Whakairo to the world. For within
Whakairo the many patterns, symbols and designs encompass love, wairua, birth,
life, death and eternal life. We are all part of a master plan. A universal plan. Through Whakairo this can
be seen, heard and felt.
I look at myself not as an artist. But as a link from Te Ao Wairua to Te Ao
Marama. I create the form that assists and preserves the message. But they move
in tandem. And if done with the right intent, words and feeling the impact can
change lives, heal and bring people closer to God. I believe God gave every culture this gift.
And that Maori are one of these tribes that hold strong, respect and understand
this. "
This treasure was
kindly carved by Delanie Brown for Ahipara Luxury Travel specifically to
support the launch of New Zealand as a destination by Matuete, Brazil’s leading
VIP inbound specialist. The importance
of the relationship is emphasized by the importance of the piece and the status of the master carver. Whenever a Taonga (treasure) such as this
leaves the shores of New Zealand, it is with sadness and regret, farewelling a
friend and an important part of our fundament. But it is also with pride and joy from the giving to a new friend, and
the tying of that friend to the spiritual force (wairua) of New Zealand. Ahipara Luxury Travel invites the new
guardian of this piece to come to New Zealand and meet Delanie Brown.
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