Today you have received a greenstone long revered by the Maori people, a toanga. Starting with the first inhabitants of this land who fulfilled prophecy by travelling over the turbulent seas to Aotearoa to find what was known as the “God Stone”. Maori believe that it has a spiritual power beyond the realms of this world.
It will be your companion during the trials of your life. Take care of it and keep it safe. It has been given to you as a precious gift. No greater way to receive this stone than to have it gifted to you.
E hakoa he iti. He Pounamu. It may be small be it is priceless.
This toanga that you received today encompasses the mana and the essence of this school. The Mauri of Sutton Park School. (Whaia Te Matauranga) that you will take with you wherever you go. It will help you to focus on your studies and remind you of the years that you spent at Sutton Park,
You can name this stone … a tupuna name … a grandparent or aunty or uncle whom you love and admire. They also will be with you even from beyond the grave. In a time of need – like when things get tough or when trials com upon you or even sadness. Hold tight to your stone and you will receive strength and guidance …. maybe through prayer.
Your stone is a stone of peace and calmness that has been blessed by the kaumatua Marsh Herewini a man of great mana. He wants you to succeed, he believes in you just as we the staff of this school who has taught you do also believe in you.
Each of your stones is an original and handcrafted. All greenstones have different clarity when held up to the light. They also have distinct colours and each one has its own unique story. You can find the story of your own stone for yourself by examining it, holding it up to the light and feeling the silky smoothness of it shape and design.
To the Maori greenstone is more valuable than gold because it comes from the depths of this land, from the mountains and may even rolled down some of its rivers. It come from Papatuanuku our earth mother who is our protector and caregiver. She whom we have come from and to whom one day we will return in the powerful circle of life. If we look after Papatuanuku. She will look after us. These stones have withstood the test of time and are stones of strength. Stronger than wood, stronger than bone. They can be your strength to be the best you can ever be.
So farewell to all of you students and good wishes for an excellent future.
Haere ra ! Haere ra ! Haere ra !
