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THE BEGINNING
Within the Māori world, views on the creation and existence of the land in which we live stem from a largely holistic belief system. Māori whakapapa or genealogy links us to every aspect of every created thing through a vibrant life force (mauri) ; the land, sea, forest, birds, animals, plants and lastly humans, are all richly connected. LEAF acknowledges this, and begins its journey with the mighty myths and legends of Aotearoa New Zealand.
According to Māori legend, the world came into being when Tāne-mahuta (god of the Forest) separated his parents Rangi-nui (god of the Sky) and Papatūānuku (mother of the Earth) who lay in a tight embrace. By pushing up Rangi-nui with his strong legs, Tāne-mahuta created light, air and space between his parents, and so the world was formed
The forest is a living thing just as I breathe and live. Every leaf, every tree, every insect, every bird, feels and knows this. When I enter its domain, I know I enter the House of Tāne-Mahuta.
— Māori legend
TĀNE-MAHUTA & MĀNUKA
Tāne-mahuta was said to have many wives, the offspring of which are the trees, shrubs, ferns, mosses, birds and animals we find ourselves living amongst today. Many of the LEAF products are the ancestors of Tāne-mahuta.
One of Tāne-mahuta’s sons is said to be the Kahikatoa, also known as the Mānuka tree. Although the Manuka is a small tree, it is known for its strength; hence the well-known Māori proverb which implies that although someone or something maybe small, they are still able to prevail through strength and determination.
The ancestors of Tāne-mahuta had many uses, one of which was use of the plants or tree leaves for medicinal purposes. The Manuka tree was valued for its antibacterial qualities.
The highly practical use of all the plants and trees illustrates yet another connection of the intertwining of both the human and natural world. LEAF products are Tāne-mahuta’s taonga or gifts of the land to us. As stewards of these gifts, therefore, it is important that we respect and value them.
He iti, he iti kahikatoa.
However little, it is still a Manuka tree
— Māori proverb
THE LEAF NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY BEGINS
“Kua takato te manuka.
The leaves of the Manuka tree have been laid down.”
In the Māori world, the mana or power of something can be displayed in many ways. The mana of Tāne-mahuta’s forest, for example, is displayed in the trees, plants, leaves and animals, all LEAF products. The Māori proverb above indicates a form of wero or challenge;
One group of people would lay down a Manuka leaf to symbolize a challenge to another party. Whether or not they took up the leaf showed if they were accepting or declining the challenge, thus illustrating the mana behind the leaf.
From the mighty legends of Papatūānuku, Rangi-nui, Tāne-mahuta and Tangaroa comes a vast array of inspirational and powerful messages. We are taught about the importance of maintaining respect for each and every one of these gifts or resources; and made aware that we are temporary stewards of these resources. LEAF New Zealand respects the legends, legends deeply ingrained in the culture of our people and land. Leaf business is to promote, process and manufacture natural products with care and respect of the land and resources of Aotearoa New Zealand.