Reverend Colin Datchler's Mere Pounamu
Farewell
Reverend Colin was gifted a Mere Pounamu and Kete Pikau from the people of St Pauls, Waiwhetu at his farewell on Sunday, 17th January. Colin's Mere Pounamu and Kete started their journey from the pristine and spiritual waters of the Arahura river and, through the passing of hands one to the other, travelled to the sacred altar of Rangiatea Church, in Otaki for a special blessing and then to Reverend Colin for a final karakia from Te Atiawa ki Taranaki, Waiwhetu and the Maori Pastorate.
Reverend Colin's mere is carved from a beautiful Kawakawa Pounamu. Kawakawa Pounamu gets it name from the pepper tree leaves which this greenstone looks similar to.
Pounamu is regarded as the stone of the gods by Maori. It is referred to as Taonga, treasured thing, and it is given with respect, pride and deep love.
Carving this stone has been a cornerstone of Maori tikanga for hundreds of years. Master Carver, Glen Surgenor from Hokitika used the traditional method of sand stone rubbing and hand sanding in preparing and finishing Colin's Mere. Mere Pounamu are a traditional close combat weapon and a highly prized symbol and acknowledgement of chieftain-ship (rangatira) / leadership. The gifting of Mere Pounamu is of symbolic importance and a sign of good faith and respect.
The following words acknowledge Reverend Colin's ministry to the Maori people and the people of St Paul's, Waiwhetu during his time here in Aotearoa.
"Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi"
translated "With your basket and my basket the people will live"
Reverend Colin was gifted a Mere Pounamu and Kete Pikau from the people of St Pauls, Waiwhetu at his farewell on Sunday, 17th January. Colin's Mere Pounamu and Kete started their journey from the pristine and spiritual waters of the Arahura river and, through the passing of hands one to the other, travelled to the sacred altar of Rangiatea Church, in Otaki for a special blessing and then to Reverend Colin for a final karakia from Te Atiawa ki Taranaki, Waiwhetu and the Maori Pastorate.
Reverend Colin's mere is carved from a beautiful Kawakawa Pounamu. Kawakawa Pounamu gets it name from the pepper tree leaves which this greenstone looks similar to.
Pounamu is regarded as the stone of the gods by Maori. It is referred to as Taonga, treasured thing, and it is given with respect, pride and deep love.
Carving this stone has been a cornerstone of Maori tikanga for hundreds of years. Master Carver, Glen Surgenor from Hokitika used the traditional method of sand stone rubbing and hand sanding in preparing and finishing Colin's Mere. Mere Pounamu are a traditional close combat weapon and a highly prized symbol and acknowledgement of chieftain-ship (rangatira) / leadership. The gifting of Mere Pounamu is of symbolic importance and a sign of good faith and respect.
The following words acknowledge Reverend Colin's ministry to the Maori people and the people of St Paul's, Waiwhetu during his time here in Aotearoa.
"Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi"
translated "With your basket and my basket the people will live"
At St Marys Fittleworth.
Colin and the whanau are slowly settling back into life in England. On Sunday 28 February he officially began life as priest in charge at St Mary’s after being inducted at his new church by the Bishop of Chichester the previous Thursday. He greeted his parishioners in te reo with his mihi whakatau - written especially for them and him.
He made a dedication on behalf of St Marys, "Glory to God for the people of St Pauls Waiwhetu and the Maori of Aotearoa" before laying his mere on the altar. He explained that placing the mere on the altar is St Marys’ commitment to St Pauls Waiwhetu and the Maori of Aotearoa, acknowledging we are all brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same Anglican communion. It also symbolises a new chapter in his life, and his speaking te reo acknowledges this.
Colin and the whanau are slowly settling back into life in England. On Sunday 28 February he officially began life as priest in charge at St Mary’s after being inducted at his new church by the Bishop of Chichester the previous Thursday. He greeted his parishioners in te reo with his mihi whakatau - written especially for them and him.
He made a dedication on behalf of St Marys, "Glory to God for the people of St Pauls Waiwhetu and the Maori of Aotearoa" before laying his mere on the altar. He explained that placing the mere on the altar is St Marys’ commitment to St Pauls Waiwhetu and the Maori of Aotearoa, acknowledging we are all brothers and sisters in Christ who share the same Anglican communion. It also symbolises a new chapter in his life, and his speaking te reo acknowledges this.
