Taonga offered to Japanese people ahead of Rugby World Cup

Carvers Lenny Boonen (left) and Kawana Waititi. Photo / Supplied

An enduring connection across the globe will remain long after the Rugby World Cup has ended, with two symbolic taonga set to connect the Japanese and Māori cultures – and highlight the similarities between the two.

The bespoke carved kūwaha and mauri stone have been offered to Japan by the people of Aotearoa, cementing the relationship between the two countries.

The kūwaha and mauri stone form part of a major NZ Inc campaign in Japan – led by Tourism NZ – which support's New Zealand's presence at the world's largest rugby tournament.

The campaign is designed to increase the profile and awareness of New Zealand in Japan, as well as strengthen cultural diplomacy between the two nations.

The kūwaha, named Te Haeata Whero, offered a threshold celebrating cultures, beliefs and identities and an acknowledgement of the connection between Japan and New Zealand.

Project lead Karl Johnstone designed the kūwaha alongside New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute master carver James Rickard and Te Ngaehe Wanikau from Ngati Hikairo.

Weighing about 530kg, Te Haeata Whero stands 3.6m at the highest point, at 3.2m at its widest and is carved from centuries-old reclaimed tōtara and kauri.

Rickard said the kūwaha was a doorway to a house in Māori culture and, in this instance, was a metaphor for identity.

"We are literally welcoming people into our house, strengthening the 'doorway' to New Zealand for Japanese people by sharing narratives of people and place.

"The doorway reflects stories and carvings inside that connect both Japan and New Zealand," he said.

Rickard said the name, Te Haeata Whero, or the red dawn, referred to the Central Plateau, where dawn was signalled by the red light on the eastern side of Mount Tongariro.

It was predominantly carved at NZMACI by Rickard, supported by carvers Kawana Waititi and Lenny Boonen, chosen for their attention to detail.

Master carver, James Rickard intricately detailing the kūwaha. Photo / Supplied

The korero (stories) told through Te Haeata Whero predominately focused on the concepts of the sun and light, showcasing Māori narratives relating to the sun.

It also features the silver fern (rauponga) representing New Zealand and the All Blacks, while cherry blossoms feature within the painted patterns, known broadly as kowhaiwhai.

Sitting within Te Haeata Whero is a mauri stone Te Kopu Whānui – a mauri stone (meaning lifeforce or essence) which represents the connection between the people of New Zealand and Japan.

The mauri stone comes from Ngāti Hikairo ki Rotoaira, in New Zealand's Central Plateau region.

Ngati Hikairo are also the guardians of Opotaka – the place where the Kā Mate ngeri or haka, which was made famous by the All Blacks team, originated from.

The mauri stone is seen as a conduit for the earth's energy and draws and acknowledges the energy that connects New Zealand and Japan. Japanese people – and visitors from around the world to Japan – can touch the stone and feel the energy and connection to New Zealand

"Together, Te Haeata Whero and Te Kopu Whānui represent the pathway of the sun above the earth, and the pathway of the ring of fire below the earth, and the connection and never-ending circle of life between the two worlds," Rickard said.

He said while the two taonga were separate, physical pieces, together they offered the taonga of the unique relationship and understanding between New Zealand and Japan, and the sharing of knowledge, values and connection over time.

He said the kūwaha was one of the more unique pieces he had worked on, given the high level of secrecy surrounding it – so much so that his two fellow NZMACI carvers didn't even know where the piece was destined to go, or the story behind it.

The carving was started in New Zealand before being continued as part of the Tuku Iho | Living Legacy exhibition in Japan in August.

"Seeing the Māori culture shared with other indigenous people is a particular highlight – especially in areas where NZMACI is able to prove the worth of its government mandate by demonstrating New Zealand's progress in fostering and showcasing Māori arts and crafts.

"This project is another way to strengthen ties between Japan and New Zealand. Kūwaha is a gift to the people of Japan, from the people of New Zealand.

"I hope this carving will cement that connection forever," Rickard said.