A Momentous Ocassion: Laying the Mauri Stone for Our Papakāinga
Last Saturday, in the stillness of pre-dawn, when the Ao Wairua and the Ao Kikokiko coexist on the whenua, around 25 members of our whānau whānui gathered at Maraeroa. They left the comfort of their warm beds before the dawn chorus began, coming together to bear witness and tautoko the laying of the mauri stone at the site of our new papakāinga.
We were deeply privileged to have Uncle Tepania Kingi lead this tikanga. He shared the profound significance of this ancient practice, explaining that it marks a transformation of the whenua – from its role in nurturing kararehe (farming) to its new purpose of nurturing and protecting tangata (people). A karakia was recited, infusing the kohatu mauri with the collective life force of the gathered roopu, our whenua, our awa, and the sacred waters of Hokianga nui a Kupe.
We had the honour of having Uncle Eddie Muriwai on hand to place the mauri stone into the whenua. Having one of the original members of the Utakura 7 Incorporation Committee of Management present for this moment, 52 years after its formation, made the occasion truly surreal. It was hard not to feel the presence of te Ao Wairua among us, guiding and blessing this milestone.
The Committee of Management has reaffirmed our commitment to the Ka Tu Kainga Rua kaupapa – this vision has been expanded to assist not only our incorporation members but also whānau beyond, in realizing their housing aspirations. Achieving this requires unity of purpose and the collective efforts of all involved. Together, we can make this 2nd Mauri Stone ceremony of 2024 just one of many, paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.
Tēnā koutou katoa for your support and aroha as we take these steps forward.
Mā whero, mā pango ka oti ai te mahi
Utakura 7 Incorporation 