What is it?
In its simplest definition, a mauri stone is a piece of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
What is mauri?
Mauri is an energy or life force which binds and animates all things in the physical world. The concept of mauri relates both to people and to the natural world. The mauri prepares people places, and the work they do to receive mana1.
What’s the purpose of a mauri stone?
Our mauri stone is a taonga or prized possession that is designed to enhance the life and positive energy at our conference. If we believe that the AFAC conference has meaning, integrity, prestige, influence and makes a positive contribution to who we are as professionals in our industry, then the mauri stone reminds us of these characteristics every time we meet. The stone also reflects New Zealand’s commitment to Māori as tangata whenua that compliments Australia’s recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Together AFAC acknowledges and celebrates the indigenous peoples from both countries.
What are some of the details about our mauri stone?
The mauri stone is piece of pounamu or Greenstone sourced from the Arahura river on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island and gifted by both Ngāi Tahu master carver and artist, Fayne Robinson and Fire and Emergency NZ. The stone is housed in an intricately carved box and should be prominently displayed from the time the conference is opened until the closing ceremony. As the conference travels from one location to the next, so will the mauri stone. At the closing ceremony of each conference, a transfer of the mauri will take place between the current and next host. This is similar in concept of passing the Olympic torch from one person to another.
Where will the stones be kept in between conferences?
The mauri stone will be held in the AFAC office between conferences.
Can you touch them?
Yes, this stone is designed to be touched. Everyone adds their energy everytime it’s touched.
