Toki Mana

I recently carved a special piece of Pounamu for a colleague at my kura who has stepped into a significant leadership position. His dedication, guidance, and coordination in the work we’ve shared has been outstanding. I wanted to acknowledge his efforts in a meaningful way, so I created a taonga that symbolises the weight of his role.

This piece is a Toki—a symbol of strength, authority, and leadership in Māori culture. It’s a very large Toki, measuring about 15cm long, carved from deeply dark green Pounamu. The stone’s weight and depth were chosen intentionally, paired with a tan lashing to reflect both the natural beauty of the taonga and the significance of the role it represents.

I created this Toki with a dual meaning. Its substantial size is a reminder of the weight of responsibility and obligation he carries in his role. Leadership is not just about holding a title; it’s about embracing the challenges and the expectations of those you lead. This Toki adds to his mana, but it also serves as a constant reminder that mana is something earned, not simply given. To wear this taonga each day is to carry that burden with integrity, a commitment that not everyone is willing or able to bear.

I have named this taonga Toki Mana. The word ‘mana’ in this context speaks not only to the power, respect, and authority of leadership, but also to the collective strength of the groups to which we belong. For my colleague, it extends beyond personal leadership—it encompasses the mana of our school, the senior leadership team, and the wider staff. The collective mana of each of these groups is either strengthened or diminished by the actions of the individuals within them. This Toki serves as a symbol of his role in upholding the mana of these groups, reflecting the idea that while the taonga itself adds mana to the wearer, it is truly through actions, respect, and service to the collective that mana is earned and sustained.

By choosing this name, Toki Mana, I wanted to honour my colleague’s journey, acknowledging not just the mana he brings to his position but also the responsibility he carries to enhance the mana of the teams and the school he represents. This taonga is a reminder that his leadership is not only about personal authority but about contributing to the collective strength and integrity of the communities he leads.

This Toki Mana will, I hope, serve as a meaningful reminder of the strength, humility, and responsibility that come with leadership. It’s not just a taonga to wear but a symbol of the journey he is on, leading with purpose and earning the respect of his community.